In a proactive way to promote regional tie, security and historical antecedents , the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, has strengthened ties with His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, in Ondo State.
The Onimesi, accompanied by a distinguished retinue of Imesi chiefs, was warmly received by the Olubaka, who was flanked by his high chiefs and Basorun Arogbofa.
The two monarchs were imbued with renewed hope that the strong tie between Ekiti and Akoko lands will checkmate cross border criminalities and elevate history in the two contiguous states.
Speaking during the interface, both monarchs revisited the age-long history of friendship between their peoples that had been the binding force for ages, which they believed shouldn’t be jettisoned on account of bottleneck posed by state creation.
Having a nostalgic feelings of the past, the Olubaka recalled that the Oka community traces its ancestral roots to Ile-Ife and had a long period of settlement at Oka-Tedo in Imesi before migrating to their present location in Oka-Akoko.
According to him, ‘This shared heritage, has for centuries bound the two communities in peaceful coexistence with Imesi as an accommodating landlord and Oka people as progressive, law-abiding tenants”.
The two traditional rulers pledged to sustain regular exchange visits, particularly during important cultural festivals, to reaffirm the unity and goodwill between their communities.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, the Onimesi, Oba Olatunde, expressed deep satisfaction with the warm reception he and his entourage received.
Oba Olatunde stressed the importance of sustained cross-border collaboration, particularly on security matters, saying the government interface will help in reinforcing regional tie against cross border bandits, besides elevating history that bonded the two towns together.
The monarch said Imesi Ekiti as a border town to Ondo State can’t afford to be lukewarm to the raging banditry and killings in the neighbouring Kwara and Kogi States, saying the visit will awaken the consciousness of the people.
He encouraged customary tenant farmers in the forest border areas to show renewed confidence, by replacing old mud farmstead structures with more modern, durable buildings — a sign of lasting peace and stability.
The visit, according to Onimesi, was widely regarded as a significant step in reinforcing historical bonds and deepening inter-community cooperation between Imesi in Ekiti State and Oka in Ondo State.
“Security of lives and property is very important and that is the kernel of effective governance. This visit showed how individuals can collaborate with government to safeguard the lives of the people.
” Likewise, the history of the people shouldn’t be forgotten. It is a strong heritage that must be sustained”, the monarch stated.