The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji , on Tuesday, installed the new Owa of Ayebode Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government, Oba Olusola Emmanuel Omolayo, calling on the monarch to partner the state government to ramp up security and development at the grassroots.
Oyebanji said making the lives of the locals flourish, by providing adequate security for them to perform their statutory means of livelihoods unhindered, remains the cardinal focus of his government.
The respectable Owa stool became vacant sequel to the demise of Oba Augustine Tayo Famoroti, who hailed from Famoroti Ruling House, on 24th September, 2022.
The new monarch is from Aketepe Royal Dynasty of Ayebode Ekiti and one of the scions of the foremost progenitors in the kingdom.
Addressing the community, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the governor exercised his powers and installed the new traditional ruler in consonance with Section 11 of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law.
To make his reign development-driven and memorable, Oyebanji tasked the monarch to aggressively pursue unity and brotherhood in the town, charging him to reach out to other contenders for the coveted seat and work with them with love and united spirit.
The governor said empowering the citizens and make them economically productive and functional wherever they live, remains the best way to banish poverty among the rural dwellers.
“The issue of security requires all of us coming together to ensure that our people are safe. Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high priority on the welfare and security of our people. Let us support all the laudable actions being taken to achieve this task”.
Addressing the community on the need to be receptive to the new monarch, Oyebanji said: “I want you to cooperate with your monarch, rally round him, so that your town can witness the expected peace, unity and development during his reign.
“I wish the new traditional ruler long live and prosperous reign on the throne of his forebears”.
The governor appealed to the monarch to rally his people to solidly back all the policies and programmes being initiated by the administration, especially the ones being devised to propel local economy across the state.
Governor Oyebanji promised not to deviate from inclusive governance he has entrenched into the state’s body polity to ensure that no group is alienated from governance .
Laying a foundation about how the the selection was conducted, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, said the process was transparently done in stringent alignment with the customs and traditions of the town.
Atibioke clarified that all necessary conditions were fulfilled by the kingmakers and government before the enthronement of the new monarch, saying the government didn’t interfere, nor make spirited efforts to impose anyone over the people’s popular will.
“Kabiyesi, While rejoicing with you on this well deserved honour bestowed on you by your people, I admonish your majesty to bring your people together. The love and aspirations of your people should be your burdens. You should know that your success will be measured by the level of cooperation you enjoy from your people”.
The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, charged the monarch to pursue a vision that will unify the community and speed up development that will add value to the lives of the residents.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Omolayo, promised to partner governor Oyebanji to fasttrack development in the town and make the community epicentre of unity.
Oba Omolayo pledged unalloyed commitment to rekindling the hope and aspirations of his people, by working with all well-meaning indigenes to promote the culture, customs and traditions of the community.
The traditional ruler said his first assignment would be to unite the community, by enlisting the support of the elite and other subjects to ensure inclusivity in his monarchical leadership.