Oyebanji presents staff of office to Onirele of Irele-Ekiti

The Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has enthroned the new Onirele of Irele-Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government Area of the state, Oba David Andero, calling on the traditional institution to coalesce efforts with his government to wage wars against kidnappers and marauding herders terrorising the state.

Oyebanji restated the resolve of his government to always partner the traditional institution for speedy development, security and robust maintenance of law and order, for Ekiti to become epicentre of investments and industrialisation.

Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, made the statement while presenting staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Andero.

Presenting the paraphernalia of office to the new monarch, who hailed from Oke-Aga royal dynasty, Oyebanji, urged the Irele people to partner the new monarch to rout the perpetrators of kidnapping and killings in Ipao-Oke-Ako-Irele axis of the state.

Oyebanji hinged the spiraling insecurity in the northern axis of Ekiti on increasing number of vacant stools, saying he was elated that Irele community had overcome the challenge and selected a personality that will rally them against insecurity in the town.

“The government is eagerly looking forward to the conclusion of the selection process of monarchs of Oke-Ako, Iyemero and Ayebode communities.

“I want to appeal to sons and daughters of these communities to reconcile all differences and withdraw all the pending court cases to enable quick completion of the selection process,” the governor said.

Oyebanji further stressed that for the avoidance of doubts, the monarch as the leader, is expected to be the medium of communication between the people and the government, ensures peace and stability, maintain law and order as well as security in his community.

Oyebanji advised the Irele people to respect their monarch as the leader to help in unifying the town for accelerated development.

The governor reminded that many towns in Ekiti are in a standstill because of avoidable disagreements between the traditional stool and their people, saying the government will henceforth perceive such worrisome disposition as a sabotage.

“Now that you have emerged, go and unify your town. Don’t cause division. You can only flourish when you are in unity and peace. We don’t want crisis, what the governor wants is love, accelerated development and unity in all sections of our state,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Andero saluted Governor Oyebanji for being neutral in the selection of monarchs in the state, promising to strive hard to ensure security of lives and property, especially combating the kidnappers and blood-sucking herders terrorising his people.

The monarch pledged that he will work with the kingmakers, chiefs, elite and other stakeholders, to entrench unity in the town and elevate progress in all spheres.

Oba Andero, who commended Oyebanji for spreading development across all communities, appealed to the government to rehabilitate Ayedun-Irele road, deploy qualified teachers and personnel to Irele schools and health centre as well establish cottage industry in the town.

ALSO READ: Breaking: Gov Obaseki approves N70,000 minimum wage