The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has again restated that his government is relying heavily on the partnership of the royal fathers to tame the hydra-headed problems of insecurity bedeviling the state.
The Governor stated that the monarchs are central and pivotal in peace building process and maintenance of law and orders in their respective domains, urging them to discharge the duties spiritedly to safeguard the lives of the residents .
The Governor said this in Ikoyi Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, on Friday, while presenting the staff and instrument of office to Onikoyi, Oba Akinwande Moses Ogundana.
The seat became vacant following the demise of Oba Olalere Falaki, on August 5, 2022, while the process for the selection of a new occupant of the royal seat kick-started on January 3, 2023.
Presenting the instrument, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appreciated the monarchs for acting like true stabilisers and peace makers in their towns.
The Governor, however, pointed out that more concerted, cohesive and stronger united fronts are required to tame the occasional kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state through the activities of some evil doers.
Governor Oyebanji said: “I want to commend our royal fathers for their exceptional support and contributions toward ensuring security , peace and stability in their domains, and for being there always to resolve knotty issues of varying dimensions for the benefit of your communities.
“As traditional rulers, you sit on a throne of power and enjoy privileges that are peculiar to your office. You are bound to face several challenges and shoulder greater responsibilies, which at times may be very heavy and seem uneasy to bear.
“Always remember that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. This should always be your guiding principle”.
Oyebanji congratulated Oba Ogundana for ascending the throne of his forebears, urging him to accommodate all divergent interests to fasttrack development in the town.
“With this presentation, you are being officially confirmed as the custodian of culture and tradition of Ikoyi people. You must strive to accommodate , endure, persevere , tolerate, Godly and dutifully serve your people.
“You must strive and endure to seek the advice of all and respect the views of the majority in all your decisions”.
The monarch, in his acceptance speech, applauded Governor Oyebanji for being neutral and transparent in the selection process, saying such accounted for why the process leading to his emergence was bereft of rancour and bloodshed.
Oba Ogundana promised to work with all the stakeholders in the community to promote peace, unity and development of the town in all facets.
“Today, I understand the enormity of the responsibilities you have placed on my shoulders and I will work hard to ensure that I serve you meritoriously and selflessly.
“I will be fair and do justice to all manners of issues brought before me. But I call on our people to join me in achieving all these, because the task is cumbersome, but we can thrive if we all join hands together to serve this town.
“Let us forget about the ugly past and face a brighter future. I shall listen to your counsels in the course of serving you because we are all working towards one mission and with the same vision.
“I appreciate Governor Oyebanji for his fairness in the selection process. I will work hard to support the government to overcome all the challenges us to make Ekiti a better and greater state”.