By Lekan Adejuwon
The new Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Chamber, Ado Ekiti, on Monday, wore a festive mood with all the pomp, elegance and celebration associated with royalty as the Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji performed the swearing in of the new Chairman of Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori, the Olojudo of Ido Faboro.
His appointment follows the successful completion of the two year tenure of immediate past Chairman of the Obas’ Council, HRM Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti which came to a close on July 31, 2023.
Governor Oyebanji had last week, announced Oba Ilori Faboro Ajiboyede 111, as the new Chairman.
The ultra modern Obas’ Chamber was filled by a large turn out of Ekiti monarchs who defied the early morning showers to grace the historic occasion.
The Governor in his opening address expressed joy at what he called a befitting outing of the royal fathers at the council Chamber.
He thanked the immediate past Chairman of the Council Oba Onisan for leading the Council admirably well and leaving behind a legacy of cohesion and unity among the respected royal fathers.
While congratulating the new Chairman, Oyebanji said;
“I have no doubt as the 13th Chairman of the Council that kabiyesi Olojudo is equal to the task even when you listened to his CV. He has all it takes to lead the Council with maturity sincerity and solidarity that the position requires.
“It is our expectation that the Chairman will carry all the 86 Council members including the rotational members and those not in the Council along and that he will use his exalted position to promote peace, unity, harmony and effective representation of all kingdoms in Ekiti”
Oyebanji reiterated the high respect his administration has for the royal father’s as the custodians of culture and agents of social mobilization noting that the government acknowledges the enormity of the burden on their shoulders in ensuring peace and development in their kingdoms
His words:
“Therefore, we will remain committed to the welfare of our royal fathers
This commitment is also evident in the construction of this Council Chamber which was commissioned on July 21, 2023″
In a similar vein, the state Governor urged all the royal fathers to support the 6-pillars of the administration as it forged ahead adding that effective social mobilization is critical to effective governmental policy success in which the role of traditional institutions can not be overemphasized as one of the most effective channels of mass Communications and mobilization.
“It is for this reason that I created a bureau of Community Communications in the Governor’s Office. I’ve instructed the bureau to create a connect channel with every community in Ekiti and each community is expected to have a minimum of 5 representatives that can always interact with the government on any issues of concern and I want our royal fathers to use this channel when necessary”
He said.
Among the dignitaries at the occasion are the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, the Secretary to the State Governent Alhaja Habibat Adubiaro, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, the Council Chairman of Ido Ekiti, top government officials and staff and top officers of bureau of chieftaincy Affairs who hosted the August occasion.
One of the high points of the event was the unveiling and commissioning of brand new SUV cars for the newly sworn in Council Chairman
