Ogoga seeks Oyebanji’s intervention on health facility

…as Ikere community imposes security levy on adults

The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to extend his developmental projects and infrastructure to the Special Hospital in the community.

The newly appointed chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers noted that the only government-owned hospital in the community required an upgrade in its structures and facilities to be able to serve the people better.

The traditional ruler spoke during the 2025 Odun Oba festival and his 10th coronation anniversary in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of the state.

At the ceremony, former DIG of police, Abiodun Alabi, Mr Ayodele Igbekele, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, among others were honoured with chieftaincy titles.

The Ogoga, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment and efforts in the development of the state, added that his community has experienced the governor’s interventions, especially in connecting roads, over the last three years.

He commended the sons and daughters of Ikere-Ekiti under the leadership of legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun for their contributions towards the progress and development of the community,  saying, “I thank Asiwaju Wole Olanipekun, who is already constructing the biggest building within the hospital complex.

“This year’s edition of Odun Oba coincides with my 10th anniversary on the throne. Looking back at the events during this period, we can say that God has been faithful, gracious, and merciful to us. Certainly, God answers prayers, and we believe He will continue to answer our prayers for a peaceful, united, progressive, and respected town,” he said.

On the security challenges in the community, Oba Adu-Alagbado said the people, especially adults have decided to complement the efforts of the government and its security agencies by contributing N2,000 annually to prevent any form of attacks by gunmen.

“In view of this, it was decided that every adult, student exempted, working and or living in Ikere will pay N2,000 annually. This is to prevent the recurrence of the incident of armed robbery in broad daylight that occurred in December 2023 which claimed two lives and shut down all banks in Ikere. Until recently, Ikere people had to queue in Ado for their banking transactions. I am happy the banks are resuming in Ikere now.

“This is to appeal to our people and their well-meaning Nigerians and friends of Ikere to join hands to make this work. We cannot afford to fold our hands for criminals to destabilise the peace and progress of the town,” the monarch said.

Chief Olanipekun commended the monarch for significant progress made during his 10-year reign over Ikere community.

The chairman of the planning committee, Sola Adewumi, said the last 10 years of the monarch’s reign have witnessed transformation and development in the community.

“As we celebrate, let us not forget the core values that bind us—respect for our traditions, loyalty to the throne and a deep sense of responsibility towards the growth of our dear Ikere,” Adewumi said.

READ ALSO: How I joined cultism to benefit from land grabbing —Suspect