By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday installed a new Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Oba Babatunde Adebomi Babalola, with a charge to citizens to abstain from actions that could trigger bloody chieftaincy squabbles in any of the communities.
Oyebanji warned the communities against allowing Obaship and chieftaincy tussle to create cleavages and internal aggression within them, saying such scenario may hinder development and unity in the state.
Oyebanji gave the charge in Araromi Ekiti, on Thursday, while presenting an instrument and staff of office to Oba Babalola from Odimulele Ruling House.
The seat became vacant, following the demise of Oba Caleb Adeoye, from Falomo Ruling House, on November 18, 2021, after which Oba Babalola was picked in a rigorous and fiercely contested selection process from Odimulele royal dynasty.
Addressing the residents, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, posited that the installation of the new monarch , was in consonance with Part 1 sections 1-2 of the provisions of the Chief Law 2012 cap C5 Law of Ekiti State.
“While congratulating Oba Babalola for ascending the throne of his forebears, I urge you to work harmoniously with your people to accelerate the rate of development, as a tree can’t make a forest, there is need for collective responsibility, If we desire to have a society of our dreams.
“I implore you to always carry your people along while taking critical decisions. Don’t do a one-man show. This is the best way to build unity and spirit of oneness among your people”.
Harping on the imperative of unity among Araromi citizens following crisis that dogged the selection process, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Chief Ojo Atibikoke, said the process leading to Oba Babalola’s ascension to the stool was thoroughly monitored in line with the extant law.
The Commissioner saluted the kingmakers and the Alararomi- in- council for their contributions to the emergence of the new monarch, and for holding forth during the vacuum created by Oba Adeoye’s demise.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Babalola, promised to unite the community by pursuing aggressive fence-mending mission that would restore love, unity and orderliness to the town.
Oba Babalola appreciated Governor Oyebanji for granting the approval for his installation, saying he won’t betray the confidence reposed in his ability to usher development to the agrarian community.
“I will set up a truth and reconcilation committee comprising elders to broker truce with those that are aggrieved, so that we can be living together peacefully. I know that any town that divides against itself shall fall.
“We need to see ourselves as one big family, it is under this that we can progress and develop. We are assuring our governor that we shall always stand by his government.
I have resolved within me to spend the rest of my life serving the good people of Araromi. You have shown enough love for me and I shall reciprocate this in no small measure”.
Displaying his love for development, the monarch appealed to the government to fastrack action on the reconstruction of Iropora-Araromi-Epe-Ijero road, employ over 300 unemployed graduates in the community, provide stable electricity, and modern healthcare centre to offer quality healthcare delivery for the residents.
