Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has installed Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale as the new Owa of Ayegbaju in Oye Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that traditional rulers emerge through due process rather than imposition.
The Governor said his administration would never impose a traditional ruler on any community, noting that such actions could trigger internal crises and undermine the respect accorded to royalty, culture, and tradition.
While presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the 32-year-old monarch, Governor Oyebanji urged Oba Adewole to work in unity with his subjects to foster peace and development in the community.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, the Governor stated that the process leading to the emergence and installation of the new monarch was transparent, fair and credible, in order to preserve the sanctity and dignity of the traditional institution.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr. Olaiya Atibioke, said the Oyebanji administration has continued to uphold and promote the state’s cultural heritage by ensuring that the selection and installation of traditional rulers are carried out without undue interference or disrespect for established customs.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, the kingmakers and all stakeholders for conducting a selection process that was free of imposition and rancour. He said the transparent process would strengthen unity within the kingdom and accelerate its development.
The monarch pledged to serve his subjects selflessly and called on the state government to support the community with more infrastructural development and increased political appointments for qualified indigenes of the town.
