The Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade, has appealed to governments at all levels to support the development of revenue-generating facilities capable of improving the wellbeing of residents of Ire‑Ekiti.
The monarch made the call while interacting with journalists at his palace as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. He said the ancient community is endowed with several tourism and cultural assets that, if properly developed, could attract both domestic and international visitors and boost local revenue.
According to Oba Bobade, many of these facilities are in urgent need of government attention, noting that strategic investment in tourism and culture would not only generate income but also enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people.
On infrastructure, the traditional ruler urged the Ekiti State Government to rehabilitate key access roads linking Ire-Ekiti with neighbouring towns, describing many of them as being in deplorable condition. He also appealed for the construction of a new palace and other amenities that would position Ire-Ekiti among the leading towns in Oye Local Government Area.
Highlighting achievements recorded during his reign, the monarch disclosed that one of his most notable milestones was securing the siting of a campus of the Mass Communication Department of Federal University, Oye‑Ekiti in Ire-Ekiti. He said the campus is already operational with about 400 students.
Oba Bobade also recalled a difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when some youths allegedly invaded the palace, destroyed property and threatened his life. He, however, noted that the incident has since been put behind the community, stressing that peace has been restored and relations between the youths and the palace are now cordial.
The monarch said his vision is to transform Ire-Ekiti into a city comparable to some of Nigeria’s major urban centres, adding that achieving this goal would require the collective support and cooperation of all sons and daughters of the community.
The President of the Ire-Ekiti Development Union, Ayodele Abe, took journalists on a tour of ongoing projects, said the community has continued to make progress despite past challenges. He cited a civic centre nearing completion as one of the landmark projects executed through communal efforts, describing it as evidence of the town’s renewed commitment to development.
