The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised more ferocious wars against kidnappers and bandits perpetrating criminalities in the state to bolster investment and ensure security of lives and property, particularly along Ipao-oke Ako-Irele axis that has become a flashpoint for such horrendous acts.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, promised this in Ipao Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday, while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin.
The Kingmakers on the July 6, 2023, declared Prince Ehunmodupin of Adesogan Ruling House, as the Oba-elect, in compliance with the provisions of section II of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012, and was subsequently approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council on October 4, 2023.
The stool became vacant sequel to the death of Oba Joseph Aina, who joined his ancestors on 21st June, 2016.
Addressing the community that has been under the siege of kidnapping and banditry in recent time, Oyebanji assured the communities in the axis and across Ekiti that his government would continue to be ruthless in the wars against criminals in the state.
“Let me appreciate all of you for the support you gave my government to overcome insecurity here during the interregnum, when there was vacancy in your traditional stool and now that you have got a new Oba, I promise to sustain the tempo to make you and other Ekiti citizens secured wherever you are”.
Oyebanji urged other contestants and all the indigenes of Ipao Ekiti to support the new monarch to fasttrack development and as well coalesce actions with government to halt incidences of kidnapping and killings in the area.
He commended the royal fathers across the State for their contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in their domains, saying this has helped in checking unwarranted insurrection and upheavals that could derail developmental focus of the government.
The governor tasked the new monarch to pursue peace, unity and stability of the town, by mending fences with his co-contestants and build strong relationships with elite to bring development to the community.
“It is important to emphasize here today that the government of Governor Oyebanji holds our traditional rulers in high regards because they are not only the custodians of our customs, culture and tradition, they play pivotal roles in the stability of our towns , states and the country at large.
“This is the cogent reason why Governor Oyebanji, has always been cautioning the towns where there are vacancies in their traditional stools to guard against any action, either by way of litigation or disagreement that could stall the installation of a substantive Oba.
“Kabiyesi, as the custodian of culture and tradition, you are now the symbol of the people and your achievements will depend largely on how supportive your subjects are, so you must be on the same page with them”.
In his submission, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said the selection process was keenly monitored by the then Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs that metamorphosed into a full fledged Ministry to ensure peace and harmony, describing the process as bereft of manipulation.
Atibioke added that soothsayers has earlier predicted that the process would be rancorous, commending the kingmakers and Warrant Chiefs for displaying high sense of maturity and patriotism to the town and Ekiti in general.
“What the kingmakers have done had brought respect and honour to Ipao. People had earlier thought there would be crisis, but you succeeded in making the impossible possible. This administration will continue to accord our royal fathers the deserved respect and honour and also pursue its developmental projects to benefit our citizens”.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ehinmodupin, applauded Governor Oyebanji for his radical spirit and unflagging commitment to pursue his transformative agenda to uplift Ekiti in all facets, especially his resolve to end cases of insecurity in Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis.
The monarch assured his subjects that he would redouble efforts to transform the town and make it an epicentre of development to heal the wounds created by obaship tussle among the indigenes.
The traditional ruler applauded Oyebanji for the appointment of Chief Alaba Bejide as the Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, saying this confirmed that the governor considers all the towns relevant in his development focus.
“Of paramount concern to me is the maintenance of of peace and fostering of unity in this community. I promise to work assiduously to ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of our people so as to reduce the level of poverty and suffering to the bearest minimal.
“As God fearing leader, I will be just and fair in all my leadership. This reign is going to be collective one because a tree cannot make a forest, therefore I cannot do it alone. In the light of this, I call on all of you to join hands with me in this noble course.
“We must come together, forget about the ugly past , sink our differences and face the promising bright future ahead of us”.
