The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to the traditional rulers to avoid situation that could trigger disunity and infighting in their domains, warning that development could be stalled or stagnated, if internal wranglings are allowed to sprout and escalate.
This warning came as the new Obanla of Ijesa- Isu in Ikole Local Government Area, Oba David Olusegun Ateji, described Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s respect for monarchs as impressive and stunning, describing this as an impetus to sporadic development being witnessed across the state.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the warning on Thursday, during a courtesy visit of the Obanla-in-council to her office in Ado Ekiti, the State Capital.
Oba Ateji, from Omotoyo Royal Dynasty, was crowned last week by the state government to succeed Oba Oso Gabriel Adeniyi, who died on 23rd September, 2024.
Addressing the contingents, comprising chiefs and other illustrious sons of the community, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, appealed to Oba Ateji to spread olive branch to his opponents to entrench peace in the community.
The Deputy Governor hinted that Oba Ateji’s reign can only be successful and development- driven, if all his opponents were on the same page with him, warning that labelling anyone as enemy could stall the town’s progress.
Mrs Afuye stated that the monarch should focus predominantly on ensuring cohesion, by uniting all tendencies in the town, describing this as a way of overcoming the fierce battle that dogged the selection process, where the monarch had emerged through a transparent process.
“Kabiyesi, as you stepped into the royal position of your forebears, I pray that your reign will be peaceful and successful. But this can only happen if you maintain peace among your people.
“You should bear in mind that nobody can receive anything, except it is given by God. Please, I appeal to you, go home and reach out to those who are aggrieved, most especially, your opponents who wanted to be king. You are now the prescribed authority, use that position to unify your people.
“You must know that any infighting can slow down the level of development a bit. You are already a king, reach out to them and seek their cooperation. Don’t see anybody as enemy, so that your reign can witness peace and become memorable”.
The highly ecstatic Oba Ateji showered encomiums on Governor Oyebanji and those overseeing traditional matters in his cabinet for their patriotism and sincerity in the handling of the traditional matters.
Revealing that his community is fully backing Governor Oyebanji’s second term ambition, Oba Ateji appreciated the governor for midwifing a selection process that was just and bereft of imposition in the countdown to the emergence of a candidate to ascend the coveted position.
The monarch said he had already initiated a unification process to rally all the aggrieved, assuring that nobody will be branded as enemy, or be alienated under his royalty.
“I have started a reconciliation process immediately I came in, because I know the value of peace.I have started reaching out to those who contested with me. Ijesa Isu belongs to all of us and we have to build it together. I know that a tree can’t be a forest.
“I want to assure the government and my people that where my predecessor pushed our development to and stopped, I will push it further, particularly by ensuring that we maintain peace and tranquility among our people.
“I appreciate this government for its respect for traditional institution”.