The people of Ejiyan Ekiti, in the Ijero Local government area of Ekiti State, has debunked the claim that the autonomy granted to some towns by Governor Kayode Fayemi, was a misplaced priority, saying the policy had spurred development in benefiting communities.
The community also insisted that the splitting of the old Ipoti into three: Owa, Ejiyan and Ipoti, had ignited competition in terms of development, stating that the town is now being rated as second to Ado Ekiti metropolis in project execution and concentration.
Fayemi had in 2013 granted autonomy to the Ejiyan community formerly known as Aaye Ijumu and other small towns as autonomous communities, which some elite regarded as avenues for deep-seated hatred, unnecessary balkanisation and unhealthy political rivalry.
Addressing newsmen at the weekend heralding the one-year coronation of the Obalaaye of Ejiyan, Oba Adekunle Adepoju, the town applauded Fayemi for the initiative, saying it has fast-tracked development and dowse enmity among the three-component towns.
The Chairman of the Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr Olakunle Olajide, represented by the former Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Bode Agbeleye, revealed that the royal fathers expected at the February 11 event, are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adewole.
Olajide stated that the town would confer honourary awards and chieftaincy titles on some eminent Nigerians, including a serving federal lawmaker, Wunmi Ogunlola, Adeola Olatunde, SAN, Mrs Kemi Wellington Nebo, Mr James Onifade, among others.
Exposing the benefits of autonomy, Olajide said: “The policy has benefited us immensely. Our Kabiyesi and all our chiefs are now recognised by the government and getting their monthly stipends. Our monarch got car largesse from the government, unlike the time when we were not recognised.
“We have been getting government’s support through construction of new Primary school, modern market, skill acquisition centre. Our new hospital was built by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wunmi Ogunlola and all manners of self-help projects are springing up.
“We have no bickering with the other two towns, but we are focused on development and progress. We are developing at a faster pace and lane. This community was once a lost village due to incessant wars and today, it has been reinvented and restored.”
The community appealed to indigenes not to engage in any land dispute with their two neighbours, urging them to channel their energy, mental capacity and finances to develop the town.
He said the realisation of autonomy and self-determination was a huge success and relief to the town, saying the struggle for it gradually began in 1936.
“After leaving Ile Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race, we lived here peacefully with Owa and Ipoti-Ekiti for centuries. We lost our identity and became just a clan. But today, that identity had been restored, so this is a celebration of success,” he said.
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