By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has described the newly constructed Traditional Council Chamber for the monarchs as a masterpiece that will inject inclusivity into governance in the state.
Mrs Afuye posited that the edifice is replete with modern facilities and accessories that will guarantee comfort during regular meetings of all Ekiti Obas, which she stressed will further make them good allies and partners to drive Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s policies.
The State’s number two citizen, gave the hint in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, while inspecting the newly constructed ultra modern Traditional Council Chamber and the renovation work being undertaken at the Deputy Governor’s office.
The inspection team also included the Special Adviser, Bureau of Special Project to the Governor , Arch. Tope Ogunleye, Permanent Secretary, office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, Executive Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Adegboyega Morakinyo, among others.
Mrs Afuye in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media Victor Ogunje described traditional institution as a pivot for peace, development and hitch-free coexistence among diverse people in any state, saying their relevance to governance can’t be underestimated under any guise.
She commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for placing high premium priority on the welfare of the traditional rulers, particularly his interest in ensuring speedy completion of the edifice he inherited from the immediate past government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The Deputy Governor exuded confidence that having a structure that could serve a s a rendezvous for all the 140 monarchs in Ekiti and fasttrack regular holding of their meetings will bolster their relevance and inclusion in the running of government.
“You could see that this structure is a masterpiece that contains over 140 seats that can accommodate all our traditional rulers for any meeting.
“The old structure at the Old Governor’s office, which they are currently using is not only small and choky, it could hardly contain the 82- council members at a time, This necessitated the conceptualisation of this project to accommodate and give them comfort.
“The building is about 98% completed and the next council meeting will be held here as promised by Governor Oyebanji. This structure is unique in the Southwest, you can go round all the states to confirm this.
“We can all attest to how Governor Oyebanji has been showing respect to traditional institution. This is also part of the governor’s initiatives to raise the standards of their welfare, relevance and inclusion in governance, so that their inputs can be relevant in policy making.
“This structure is unique and lend credence to the fact that the state has huge respect for the traditional rulers”.
Also commenting on the project, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Special Project, Arch. Ogunleye, revealed that the building is ready for commissioning, adding that it will ease the assemblage of the traditional rulers during statutory meetings.
“You can see the facilities yourself. They are modern and superb. The chamber can accommodate all the Obas anytime they want to host their meeting .
“There are offices inside the structure to accommodate all the staff of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, who will render services to the monarchs during their statutory meetings. It is almost ready for commissioning and this will be done by our governor soon”.
