The Ekiti State Traditional Rulers, under the auspices of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL), has predicted a landslide victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in his reelection bid in 2026.
The monarchs predicated their prediction on the level of peace, development, stability, and mutual respect being accorded Ekiti people, including all the monarchs by the Governor, saying these have endeared the government to the populace and critical stakeholders.
However, the Ekiti State Government, has promised to prioritize the welfare of the traditional rulers and put mechanisms in place to stop any disrespect that could emanate from any of their chiefs and subjects.
The new leadership of MOBEL, led by its Chairman and Ojurin of Ijurin Ekiti, Oba Afolabi Joachim Ajibola, gave the assurance, on Thursday, while paying a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor ,Victor Ogunje, revealed that the Onikun of Ikun Amure, Oba David Olatunde, who spoke for the monarchs, promised that MOBEL, comprising grades A, B and C hierarchical monarchs, would coalesce actions with government to instil peace and stability in all the towns.
Underscoring their commitment to duties, Oba Olatunde, said what MOBEL firmly stands for is progress, unity and love, among Ekiti residents, regardless of race, creed and religious sentiments, vowing that these shall be fostered in the interest of the citizens.
To fortify traditional institution and elevate its respect, the monarch sought amendment to the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, he described as obsolete and outdated, clarifying that his members are traditional rulers and not chiefs, as being referred to in the State’s Edict.
Oba Olatunde, however, raised the issue of consistent disagreements between some of their colleagues and the chiefs, describing the rising spate as demoralizing and making them feel uncomfortable.
The monarch urged the government to look inwards and fashion our institutional framework and ways to reignite the respect being accorded royalty in the past, by fostering mutual respect in the traditional scheme.
“We are grateful to Governor Oyebanji for prioritising our welfare and for his love, respect and humility to the traditional rulers. I must say that we have been having governments in Ekiti, but this government is different and special.
“We are assuring you that the second term of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji is sure. Even after you leave office, Ekiti will continue to respect you”, he stated.
Corroborating his colleague, the MOBEL’s Chairman, Oba Ajibola, assured that the new executive would reinforce partnership with the government to foster peace and unity at the grassroots.
Oba Ajibola appreciated the Oyebanji’s administration for its giant strides to ensure that development percolates to all the 140 towns in the state, specifically for prioritizing the welfare of the traditional rulers.
In her response, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Afuye, assured that this government won’t shy away from making the welfare of monarchs occupies a prime space and frontline priorities, revealing that Governor Oyebanji appreciated the enormity of burdens and statutory duties being discharged by the traditional rulers.
Mrs Afuye frowned at the rising brawls between the monarchs and their chiefs, saying the government won’t tolerate any form of disrespect against the traditional rulers, whom she described as the fathers of all.
“This government relies so much on you in ensuring that we enjoy peace. We are pleased with the ways you have been handling some of your duties and how you adjudicated on local issues brought before you.
“We plead that you continue in these manners, we are ready to support you always. Go and home and maintain cordial relationships with your chiefs.
“What we stand for as a government is respect for traditional rulers. Governor Oyebanji had always been emphasizing this, and on that we stand. Respect is reciprocal. Don’t remove your chiefs without the government knowing about it. As long as you are on the side of the law, no Chief can disrespect you”.