The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye says security of lives across all Ekiti towns and maintaining high regards for traditional institution, remain some of the cardinal focus of the APC led government in the state
The Deputy Governor Chief Afuye who stated this in Ado Ekiti during an interactive session with the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers,said Governor Oyebanji was not unaware of the myriad of crises regarding insecurity being experienced in some towns and villages in Ekiti
She assured that government would partner traditional rulers to ensure that all these noticeable threats in some areas in the state was properly addressed.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor also applauded the monarchs for maintaining neutrality during the last governorship election, saying that this had further encouraged the present administration to give total respect and have more confidence in the leadership of Obas in Ekiti.
The Ekiti number two citizen added that Governor Oyebanji had released adequate funds to complete the Traditional Council Chambers under construction, while other issues bothering on their welfare would be tackled in record time to underscore the enormous respect the government accords royalty.
Chief Afuye said; “I wish to commend Your Royal Majesties for your support and exceptional contributions toward maintaining peace and stability in your various domains. I sincerely appreciate the neutrality shown by our revered Royal Fathers during the last election. I thank you for ensuring peace in the state before, during and after the election.
“Let me assure all our Traditional Rulers that the State Government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will accord high priority to the welfare of your Royal Majesties. Therefore, I seek your cooperation and support in ensuring that the arduous task of attending to the needs of this state’s citizens is done with optimal utilization of available resources.
“The State Government is aware that the current Traditional Council Chambers have been in use since Ekiti State’s creation in 1996. However, most of the facilities in the Chambers are outdated, inadequate, and can no longer accommodate the traditional council.
“The recent upgrading of some royal fathers have increased the membership of the council from 69 to 86. This has made the provision of a new tradition council chambers very important. You deserve a new chambers to comfortably hold your meetings”.
Mrs Afuye said time when vacant stools in Ekiti were being left unfilled due to protracted crises was over, saying available chieftaincy laws would be enforced to ensure speedy and expeditious ascendancy onto vacant thrones.
In his response, the Chairman, Ekiti Council of Council Traditional Rulers and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon commended Governor Oyebanji’s administration for being committed to operate an open door policy with the monarchs.
Oba Adejuwon added that the Council’s committee on security would pay a visit to the Deputy Governor to inundate him with the level of insecurity in the state and the debilitating effects it was having on the security of lives and property.
“We are also happy that the government is ready to to take care of the welfare of our members. We used to perform arduous tasks in our domains. We have not received some of our allowances, they are still pending and despite this, we have taken it upon ourselves to appear at ever meeting.
“We are hoping that the new council chambers will be be completed before next year February. We want you to relay all these to our governor”.
In his own submission, the Alawe of Ilawe ,Oba Adebanji Alabi, said that the issue of mobility had become a major obstacle to some monarchs, urging the government to change the vehicles currently under their care having been used for over nine years .
