The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the
country’s traditional rulers to partner all the cadres of governments
to salavage the nation from the throats of bandits, kidnappers and
killers.
Oyebanji, who expressed fear over the few cases of kidnapping
witnessed in Ekiti recently, averred that such horrendous incidences
can be tackled with traditional rulers coalescing efforts with
governments to secure their towns and villages across the state.
The Governor spoke in Ijurin Ekiti, Ijero Local Government area of
Ekiti State, on Thursday, during the end of the year get-together
organised by the Majority Obas of Ekiti Land(MOBEL), held at the
palace of Ojurin, HRH Oba Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisade
Afuye, described traditional institution as pivotal to the success of
any nation, particularly at this stage when the country is being
pummeled by bandits and killers.
In a statement by the Special Assistant (Media ) to the Deputy
Governor, Victor Ogunje, Oyebanji tasked the traditional rulers to
contribute more to abate the rising spate of insecurity in the
country, especially cases of kidnapping, arson attacks, senseless
carnages and bloodshed being witnessed across the nation.
He added that the fact that the June 18,2022 governorship election
was conducted without bloodshed and crisis signposted the enormous and
stabilizing role played by the monarchs and other stakeholders.
“Going by the positions you occupy, you are the natural leaders of
our people. I charge you to work hard and save the future of our
country at this point when it is witnessing serious insecurity.
“Our government places the traditional rulers in high place, so make
sure you work hard and sustain the peace in your domains.
“We appreciate you for the support before, during and after the
election. This was massive. I want to assure you that Mr Governor will
never disrespect you. He won’t do anything that will make you hate
him.
“I could see that you are requesting for new vehicles, I will report
back to the Governor. I know Mr Governor won’t allow you to be
traveling about in ramshackled cars. Though, we are witnessing
paucity of funds, but I know that our government will do something
when our finances improve.
“The other time you spoke about your sitting allowance, I had told Mr
Governor about this and I know that all your requests will be attended
to one after the other”.
The Chairman of MOBEL and the Olomuo of Omuo -Oke, HRH Oba Valentine
Otitoju, congratulated Oyebanji on his success at the poll, assuring
that the monarchs will give him strong backing, for easy prosecution
of his six-point agenda.
Oba Otitoju urged Ekiti Obas to be united in the onerous task of
building a “prosperous, developed, progressive and stable economy” for
the populace.
“We are happy that the governor is ready to partner us to develop and
protect our dear state. He has also demonstrated that he will
prioritise our welfare and that is why I will reiterate again the
issue of our vehicles and sitting allowance. Our governor must look
into these”.
Speaking at the ceremony, a First Class Traditional Ruler and the
Ajero of Ijero -Ekiti, HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, said MOBEL has
been savouring a robust relationship with the highest hierarchy of the
state’s traditional institution called Pelupelu in the interest of
Ekiti and its people .
Ajero, who doubles as the Chairman, Ijero Council of Obas, stated that
the robust partnership was facilitated in the interest of the state ,
saying no state can be uplifted developmentally, when the Obas, who
are expected to be stabilising factors are embroiled in crisis.
“Whatever position you are given, it was authorised by God and we must
use it very well. So, we must continue to partner to help the
government to build a virile society we can all be proud of.
“One feature of an Oba is that, he must always be truthful, he must
uphold the truth inside and outside and wherever he goes. When there
is no truth in the palace, then that palace and town will crumble.
“Our culture mandates us to be honest. God mandated us to be truthful.
We must not pervert justice or pursue personal interest above your
towns. Whoever does that will be punished. Let your people know that
you are truthful and righteous”.
