The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday said all the 26 traditional rulers he had installed since 2018 were selected on merit, saying their ascensions were devoid of political manipulations and interferences.
Fayemi said no kingmaker or government official was allowed to corrupt the process leading to the installation of the monarchs to ensure unity and development in all the towns.
Fayemi, represented by his Deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, said this in Ijan Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, during the presentation of staff of office to the new Onijan, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, from Afayagbekun Ruling House.
The stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Samuel Oyewole Fadahunsi, from Otutubiosun royal dynasty, on September 16, 2021, after reigning for 19 years.
Fayemi, while addressing the Ijan indigenes, said he warned against any form of manipulation during the process culminating in the selection of Oba Aladesuyi, and that he said was maintained throughout the process to prevent obaship crisis and the attendant inter-communal feud.
The governor commended the late Oba Fadahunsi for bringing development to the town under his moderately long reign, urging the new monarch to build on that legacy.
He said; “I am happy that the process leading to the selection of the new Onijan was devoid of political colouration. It was a peaceful process that will bring unity. I want Kabiyesi to work harmoniously with all his subjects. You are now the chief servants to all of them. There is a need for relative peace for social economic development of our state.
“You must ensure that you make your subjects learn how to resolve their differences amicably. I also want you to live peacefully with the neighbouring towns in the interest of our state. You must carry your people along while taking critical decisions. You should rise up to the new leadership bestowed on you as the father of all.
“This event of today marks the 26th Obas that will be enthroned since we came on board in 2018, and all these are to the credit of Governor Kayode Fayemi. We made sure that their selection processes were free, fair, and devoid of political colourations.
“We are happy that unity has been restored in Ijan Ekiti. Let me praise the Kingmakers for not compromising the process, in fact, they did well. I want you all to support the present Oba. He is like God sent.
After receiving the staff of office, the elated Oba Aladesuyi, appealed to other contestants to join him in building a virile and developed Ijan Ekiti that will be a pride of all.
The monarch said: “There must be love amongst us We must allow peace to reign. I will try to accommodate all the shades of opinions in the task of making Ijan a unique town. We are unique in terms of education, social activities, tradition, and culture.
“We have sons and daughters in every sector as Professors and as seasoned administrators, and we know that we can do a lot more for our town.
“Let me thank the High Chiefs and other Senior Chiefs for ensuring that the process was done expeditiously and for holding forth when the late Oba Fadahunsi was not on the throne. I will make myself available to all subjects, so that we can work together”.
The monarch commended Fayemi for instituting landmark projects like the Knowledge zone, Ijan-Igbemo-Ilupeju road, and for the siting of Airport on Ado -Ijan road applauding Fayemi for promoting Onijan to a lofty grade A level.
“But let me express our protest over perpetual power outage in this community. It is fast running to about a decade that we had electricity last and your prompt action can change things for better for speedy economic and social recovery”.
The Chairman, Gbonyin Local Government, Dare Ajayi, and the Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Gboyega Morakinyo, stated that the installation was stringently done in line with the Ekiti State Chieftaincy law and Ijan Ekiti chieftaincy declaration.
