There was jubilation in Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Monday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji installed Oba Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni as the new Owa of Oke-Ako, ending a 25-year vacancy on the traditional stool.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, at the presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new monarch, said the prolonged vacancy was largely caused by legal battles that followed the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the death of the former Owa, Oba Omotayo Jackson Ogunbiyi of the Oke-Idi-Osan Ruling House, on December 10, 2000.
Oyebanji congratulated Oba Oni and the people of Oke-Ako for overcoming the challenges that prolonged the interregnum, assuring that his administration would continue to ensure that vacant traditional stools are filled through due process without unnecessary delays.
He urged the people of Oke-Ako to put the past behind them and embrace peace, unity and cooperation with the new monarch in order to accelerate the development of the community.
“The best way for you to make up for the lost grounds is by allowing peace, unity and love. No town can develop without these.
“I want you to work with Kabiyesi to restore the glory of Oke-Ako. With all of you working together as a team, this town will become prosperous, progressive and successful.”
The governor also commended the Regent, Princess Tinuade Adebayo, who presided over the affairs of the community during the 25-year interregnum, as well as the people of Oke-Ako for sustaining the town through the difficult period.
He appealed to other contestants to the stool and their supporters to support the new monarch and work collectively towards repositioning Oke-Ako among the progressive communities in Ekiti State.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said the selection and installation of the new monarch were conducted in accordance with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law and the customs, culture and traditions of Oke-Ako. According to him, four candidates contested for the stool, with Oba Oni emerging through Ifa divination and subsequent voting by the kingmakers.
He said the process was conducted without manipulation, imposition or rancour.
“At this point, a filled throne creates opportunities. The opportunity before Oke-Ako now is to put years of uncertainty behind it and build a future in which the palace becomes the centre of unity and development,” Atibioke said.
Oba Oni pledges to unite, develop Oke-Ako
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oni expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government, the kingmakers and the various royal families for their roles in bringing the 25-year interregnum to an end.
The monarch specifically commended Governor Oyebanji for making the resolution of the traditional crisis a priority and for ensuring that the process followed due procedure.
He said, “What this government did for this community by resolving a matter that had lingered for over 25 years was impressive.
“The governor did this through due process, patience and genuine commitment to doing what was right for Oke-Ako community. We are grateful. I am personally grateful.”
Oba Oni pledged to work with all stakeholders to unite the people and accelerate the social, economic and political development of the town. He called on indigenes and residents to bury past grievances and support his administration, stressing that no community could make meaningful progress in an atmosphere of division and rancour.
“Whatever divided us in the past must be left behind. We don’t have the luxury of carrying old grievances into a new era,” the monarch said.
Oba Oni also appealed to Oke-Ako indigenes living in Lagos, Abuja, London, the United States and other parts of the world to contribute their ideas, skills, networks and resources towards the development of the community.
He said his administration would focus on making Oke-Ako a community anchored on peace, unity, love and sustainable development.