By Lekan Adejuwon
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has given assurance that his government would not act arbitrarily in a fashion that could flout or trample on the extant laws guiding ascension to the throne in the filling all traditional stools in the state.
The governor branded traditional institution as a respectable one which shouldn’t be debased through brazen interferences with high proclivities for insurrection and longdrawn litigation that could destabilise a community.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ifaki Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Wednesday, while presenting the staff of office to the new Olufaki of Ifaki- Ekiti, Oba John Adegbenro Falore, of the Ajigbade royal dynasty.
The monarch assumed office in 2021, sequel to the vacancy occasioned by the demise of his predecessor, Oba Gabriel Agbaje from Aladegbami Ruling House.
Oyebanji, in a statement by the Deputy governor’s Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, said the ceremony was performed in consonance with Section 2 of the Ekiti State Chief’s Law, 2012, following the Monarch’s declaration as Olufaki -elect, on September 21,2021.
Oyebanji said Oba Falore’s appointment was subsequently approved by the State Executive Council on November 24, 2021, which prepared a propitious ground for installation and presentation of instrument and staff of office.
The Governor added that the presentation ought to have been conducted earlier, but for the litigation filed against the selection of Oba Falore, saying the government as a respecter of the Rule of Law decided to await the judgement before taking necessary actions.
“It is important to inform his royal majesty and the people of Ifaki Ekiti that this ceremony ought to have taken place before now, but for the court case that started after the appointment was approved by the State Executive Council.
“The Ekiti State accords high respect for the rule of law. We won’t break the law under any guise. Therefore, the presentation was stepped down pending the determination of the case.
“The recent judgement of the Ekiti State High Court confirmed the choice of Ifaki people. May I congratulate the Kabiyesi for the privilege given to him to ascend the throne of your fore fathers.
“May I call on Ekiti indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora to partner this administration to realise its dream for a peaceful and prosperous state. The government is so committed to the execution of its six-point cardinal programme.
“As good citizens, we must realise that government alone cannot satisfy all our needs and aspirations because of limited available resources. I therefore urge all the sons and daughters of Ifaki, to come home and contribute to the development of our dear state.
“I also commend our royal fathers across the state for their contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in their domains”, Oyebanji said.
The Executive Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Adegboyega Morakinyo, said the presentation became expedient following the scaling of the litigation hurdle filed against the selection, which was favourable to the monarch.
Morakinyo stated that the selection was done in stringent compliance with the directive of Governor Oyebanji that every vacant stool in the state must be done in a transparently and timeously.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Falore, described his ascension onto the throne as a no victor, no vanquished race, promising to work assiduously to sustain the culture and customs of the people and fasttrack development in the town.
The monarch applauded Governor Oyebanji for his glowing passion and commitment to usher- in development to Ekiti within a spate of six months, urging him to capture the town into his developmental strides, by executing physical projects in the community.
Oba Falore urged the indigenes to eschew bitterness and coalesce efforts, ideas and thoughts that will launch the community to enviable height in the areas of economy, Infrastructures, and human capital development.
The monarch said; “Let me say that all the contestants are qualified to ascend the throne, but God chose. I want to say that I will be father to all Ifaki indigenes. I appeal to our sons and daughters to come home and develop this town.
“I appeal to those who contested with me to sheathe their swords. Let us all prioritise the development of this town. Charity they say begins at home”.
Present at the ceremony were the former Ekiti State Governor and Asiwaju of Ifaki Ekiti , Engr Segun Oni, Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Goverment, Mr. Sola Ogunsina, traditional rulers, top government functionaries, traditional chiefs, among others.
