Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, installed the new Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, Oba Bankole Adesesan Ilugbusi, with a passionate plea to traditional rulers to key into his administrations prioritised development agenda at the grassroots level.
The governor clarified that propelling his rural development agenda will vividly manifest when the royal fathers aggressively pursue unity, fairness and security in their respective domains.
Governor Oyebanji gave the charge in Esun Ekiti, on Saturday, while presenting the instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to the new royal father of the community, after ascending the throne of his forebears.
The new monarch, Oba Ilugbusi, is from Atiba Royal Dynasty of Esun Ekiti, which the stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen along Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele road in 2024.
Addressing the ecstatic community members, Oyebanji, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, condoled with the town on the abrupt demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Ogunsakin.
The governor said the controversial and agonizing circumstances under which Oba Ogunsakin was killed was heart-rending and sad, praying to God to grant the community the fortitude to bear the loss of the charismatic traditional ruler.
Speaking about ascendancy to the traditional stool, Governor Oyebanji maintained that he neither interfered in the selection process, nor imposed any candidate on the town, saying maintaining neutrality in filling vacant positions remains the hallmark of his government.
He clarified further that the approval of the new Elesun was undertaken in accordance with the customs and traditions of the kingdom, promising to work with the monarch to bring development to Esun axis by tackling the challenges of insecurity confronting around environs.
“Kabiyesi, you are now the prescribed authority in Esun Ekiti, don’t make anybody your enemy. Work with all your subjects to make meaningful development in this town. I also plead with all the chiefs to respect the authority of the new monarch. Don’t disrespect him.
“I know that the traditional rulers play significant roles in sustaining and maintaining our culture and traditions. I want you to work with my government to ensure that all our towns are effectively secured and developed
“We have a rural policy that we are championing, I want you to support us, so that this can gain grounds at the grassroots”, Oyebanji stated .
In his submission at the colourful ceremony, the Commissioner for chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, commended Governor Oyebanji for being steadfast in his commitment to fill any vacant stool in the state within a spate of two years.
Atibioke, who urged the monarch to always consult widely with his subjects before taking critical decisions, described the process leading to the emergence of the monarch as transparent and devoid of imposition.
The commissioner commended the town for appointing a new king without any bad blood and rancour, saying this further testified to the fact that Emure people are united and development- driven.
“You may not know the import of what you are doing today, some towns have not been able to fill such vacancies for a period of 25 years. This showed that you are united. I want all of you to cooperate with the Royal Majesty for his reign to bring successes and blessings to his domain”.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ilugbusi, saluted the state government and the kingmakers for being painstaking and transparent in the selection process, assuring that he will work assiduously to attract laudable projects to the town.
Oba Ilugbusi, who promised to work zealously to unite the town and form a strong synergy with the government , stated that he was thrilled that he emergence symbolized equity, fairness and justice, which makes his acceptance more electrifying.
The monarch assured his subjects that he will.make a remarkable difference in their lives, by pursuing unity of purpose and development among , saying nobody will be alienated nor sidelined in his development projects.
“During my reign, Esun Ekiti will experience peace and progress. The welfare, wellness and wellbeing of every indigene will be our top priority, irrespective of religious belief , social.or cultural backgrounds, or political affiliation.
“Esun Ekiti Development Agenda with emphasis on Youth development will be initiated. We will focus on building a strong nexus among the various quarters in the town, revitalizing the mutual love and peaceful coexistence upon which our town was founded