The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has told the traditional rulers that his government is counting heavily on their intelligence and support base to facilitate safety of all citizens across the state.
Oyebanji said he considered the traditional rulers as strategic partners in governance and in the actualisation of the development policy of his administration, who should be deferred to in decision- making processes to boost their relevance and contributions to nation building.
This came as a First Class Traditional Ruler and Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Abdumumini Orisagbemi, declared support for the second term of Governor Oyebanji, saying the governor merits the consideration based on his superlative performance.
Oyebanji said these in Ayede Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, on Saturday, during a ceremony marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Attah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Orisagbemi on the throne of his forebears.
Speaking at the event attended by traditional rulers across the nation, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the monarchs for their contributions to the actualisation of his vision and policy thrust to ignite development in all spheres of the economy.
Essentially , Oyebanji congratulated Oba Orisagbemi for spearheading development strides that had uplifted and maintain peace, unity and orderliness in the town.
“Let me start by congratulating His Royal Majesty for his giant strides and efforts in setting Ayede Ekiti on the path of development, unity, peace and progress . All these reflected in the level of unity that had been demonstrated by the indigenes of this town
“Building of a progressive, peaceful and united kingdom is not a task that can be solely achieved by anyone. It requires everybody coming on board and this you have demonstrated because since the advent of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, we have not heard or witnessed any uprising or intra communal clash in this town capable of threatening the lives and property of the people and the peace being enjoyed in Ekiti State.
“I appreciate all the traditional rulers across the 140 autonomous towns in Ekiti State. His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji appreciates your support and contributions to State building and maintenance of peace in your domains.
“We are indeed very happy with the way you have been partnering the government to maintain peace in particular. We are assuring you that this government will continually respect and consider you as strategic partners in governance.
” We will continue to defer to you in all our decision making processes, so that you can remain relevant in the scheme of things. I am indeed appreciative of your sense of industry and patriotism to our state”, he said.
In his submission, Oba Orisagbemi applauded the government of Oyebanji for his commitment to rural development policies that had been felt across all the towns in the state, saying his second term bid worths being supported by all the citizens.
The First Class traditional ruler, also praised his subjects for their unflinching support for his administration, thereby making his reign progressive and development driven in the last one decade.
“Let me appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji for all he has done for the traditional rulers and my kingdom in particular. But, I want to say that his first four years have been memorable and development driven, so he deserves 4 + 4 = 8.
“Though, he has done well for my people in Ayede Ekiti, but I want to appeal to him to allot more political appointments to my people in his government, so that we can be more relevant in the scheme of things”, the monarch stated.
