Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has enlisted the support and ingenuity of traditional rulers in resolving some of the knotty issues bordering on increase in cases of land and chieftaincy tussles in the state.
Governor Oyebanji made the request in Ifaki Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State, on Thursday, the 21st December, 2023 at the end of the year get- together organised by traditional rulers, under the umbrella of the Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL).
The governor, represented by the Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said government would be banking on the experiences of traditional rulers, as prescribed authorities in their domains, in settling some of the crisis resurging in their areas of jurisdictions to entrench peace and stability.
He said: “Your royal majesties, let me appeal once again that you should continually deploy your wealth of experiences and skills in resolving some of the challenges bordering on land and chieftaincy disputes that are rearing their ugly heads and threatening the stability of the state.
“We have that faith that your involvement will stem these tides and return normalcy where necessary. We appreciate God that all the over 140 autonomous towns in Ekiti and their villages are witnessing peace without any form of violence.
“This was made possible because Ekiti enjoyed divine protection throughout the year and the government of Biodun Oyebanji was not also shirking in its responsibility of ensuring peace through diligent protection of lives and property of our dear citizens.
“Let me say that the administration of Governor Oyebanji has great respect for our royal fathers, regardless of classes and sizes of their towns. This was why we have not been interfering with selection of obas in towns where there are vacancies in their traditional stools”.
Speaking further on the government’s favourable disposition towards traditional rulers, the Deputy Governor added: “Our dear governor also demonstrated further respect and honour for tradition by his desire to complete the ultramodern Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers Office that had been adjudged as a masterpiece and best in the Southwest Nigeria.
“This project that was rated as a flagship would give comfort to our traditional rulers in terms of administration and holding of statutory council meetings for smooth operation of the chieftaincy issues”.
She saluted the patriotism of the traditional rulers in terms of support for the current administration, saying the government will continue to acknowledge their contributions to the accomplishments of the numerous developmental programmes being undertaken under the Biodun Oyebanji’s government.
“You have been performing wonderfully well and we are soliciting for more. Let me once again appreciate our royal fathers for their support and wish you good and sound health on the thrones of your forebears”.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of MOBEL and the Olomuo-Oke of Omuo Oke Ekiti, Oba Valentine Otitoju, challenged members to be patriotic enough in dealing with issues bordering on administration of traditional matters.
“We really appreciate the state government for the ways they have been administering issues in Ekiti State. We are happy in particular with the choice of Olojudo, Oba Idowu Faboro as the Chairman of traditional council.
“In terms of performance, Governor Oyebanji has been doing marvelously well. If he should continue this way, his second term is guaranteed. We salute his selfless service to our dear state and he should count on us all the time”.
In his submission, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, commended the government for prioritising the welfare of his people.
Oba Faboro, who requested more dividends of democracy for his members, stated that the monarchs will continually back the policies and programmes tended toward bringing economic prosperity and security of lives and property.
