By Lekan Adejuwon
As a way of making lives comfortable for the occupants of the traditional institution, the Ekiti State Government, has granted the appeal made by Alahun of Ahun, Oba Adeniyi Adelowo for the review of the revenue sharing formula accruing to the traditional rulers in Efon Local Government Area of the state.
The review became imperative, following observations raised by Oba Adelowo, in his letter to the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, that the allocation being alotted to him and his over 45 chiefs, was paltry and demeaning.
In the petition, Oba Adelowo, whose kingdown was excised from Efon Alaaye, having secured autonomy under ex-governor Kayode Fayemi, raised dust on how his town was being allegedly shortchanged in allocation earmarked to the two traditional councils in the Council.
Oba Adelowo said, though he has respect for the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, who doubles as paramount ruler, but insisted that the sharing formula was lopsided based on what goes out as emoluments to Obas and chiefs in each quarters.
Mrs Afuye, who gave the directive, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, on Friday, predicated her action on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s avowed stand to accord respect and make lives comfortable for traditional rulers in the state .
Based on the position canvassed by the monarch, Mrs Afuye stated that her office would take swift action on the matter, by contacting the Ekiti State Ministry of Local Government to do the needful to assuage the monarch’s feelings.
She stressed that the Governor Oyebanji’s administration won’t allow any monarch to be shortchanged under the guise, saying the government has enormous respect for all traditional rulers despite recognising the fact that there are hierarchies and supremacy.
The Deputy Governor urged the monarch to continue to coexist peacefully with Alaaye, assuring that all necessary actions will be taken to redress the matter.
Mrs Afuye said: “We will meet with the Ministry of Local Government and correct whatever observation Kabiyesi had raised. I know that we won’t reduce the amount you are getting, it will surely go up.
“What I know about allocations and sharing formular to traditional rulers was that, population and the numbers of Chiefs in communities are part of the criteria being used to share allocations .
“I also know that every aspect of our laws and constitution are amenable, they can be amended, so also the sharing formula to our traditional institution.
“Let us allow peace to reign, the government will look into this matter. Don’t fight over money. We will do all that are necessary to correct whatever grievances you have raised”.
Oba Adelowo, who applauded the government for attending to his petition speedily, said he believes in peaceful coexistence with Alaaye and respect for its royalty.
The monarch expressed readiness to work with Oba Aladejare to bring development to Efon Local Government, adding that nothing would be achieved as development if acrimony begins to take root in the council.
The representatives of Alaaye and quarter heads in Efon, Chiefs Olabode Pariola and Samuel Dada, debunked the accusation that Alahun was being allegedly cheated in the sharing formula.
The chiefs added that the community acted based on the extant sharing formula released to them by the government.
Present at the parley were the Permanent Secretary, office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, top functionaries and officials of the Efon Local Government, and traditional title holders from the two neighbouring towns.
