Olukere’s recognition, beginning of community’s development ― Fayemi

From left, The Ekiti state deputy governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi ; the commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua ; the Olukere of Odo-Oja Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin and his wife Olori Afolasade during the presentation of staff of office to the traditional ruler in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Friday. Photo : 'Yomi Ayeleso

The Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has presented staff of office to the Olukere of Odo-Oja Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, saying the event would mark the beginning of peace and development of the community.

The territory that Olukere occupies and superintends over, was also given autonomy by the government and is to be named Odo Oja, Ikere Ekiti Ikere is the second-largest city in Ekiti State.

Obasoyin, whose predecessors agitated for similar recognition, but was rebuffed by previous administrations, had always claimed that his progenitors founded the Ikere kingdom before the coming of the Ogoga of Ikere.

Speaking at the brief ceremony on Friday at the governor’s office, Fayemi represented by his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi congratulated the monarch for the feat, saying, “what you have been striving to achieve for years, has now been achieved.”

He added that the decision of his government was sequel to the proposal for autonomy by the people of the Odo-Oja community forwarded to the Justice Jide Aladejana’s Chieftaincy Review Commission set up to look into some contentious traditional issues in the state, revealing that the proposal was meritorious.

He advised the new monarch to ensure peace and unity in his domain, assuring the people that government would do everything possible to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the community.

Fayemi said, “I rejoice with the Kabiyesi and the entire Odo-Oja Community of Ikere-Ekiti as today’s event marks the beginning of another era of peace, prosperity, unity, cooperation and development in this Community.

“The Commission found merit in the application and further affirmed the eligibility of Odo-Oja Community to be recognized as an autonomous town and its traditional head as an Oba.

“As a result of the ongoing review of the implementation of the White Paper on the report of the Commission, Government has revisited the recommendation on the application of the Odo-Oja Community of Ikere Ekiti. Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission.

“The Odo-Oja Community of Ikere-Ekiti is accordingly granted autonomous status and its traditional head-Olukere is hereby recognized as an Oba.”

Responding, Oba Obasoyin commended the governor for the honour by giving his community autonomy and recognizing him as a traditional ruler in the state after centuries of agitations.

He said, ” What the government has done today(Friday) will remain an indelible and unforgettable event in the history of Ikere-Ekiti. I humbly accept the honour bestowed on me by the government and it will remain a significant event in the history of Ikere-Ekiti.

“Today is a revelation of the truth, no matter how long it takes, it will be revealed because I know I am standing by the truth all these years.”

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