The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday swore in the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, as the 13th Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Oyebanji charged the new head of the traditional rulers’ council to lead with integrity and respect, and ensure further unity among royal fathers in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Traditional Council chambers in Ado Ekiti, the governor, who described the Oba Alagbado as a respected and experienced monarch, whose leadership qualities and contribution to peace and development in Ikere Ekiti and the state at large are widely acknowledged, expressed confidence that the monarch would provide effective leadership and promote harmony within the traditional council.
He explained that the new council consists of 86 distinguished royal fathers with 66 permanent members and 20 rotational members carefully selected from various communities across the state and would for the next two years help in shaping the cultural preservation, offer advice on wide range of matters including chieftaincy affairs, customary laws, and any other subject as may be referred by the state government.
Acknowledging the vital roles the traditional institution plays as custodians of culture, symbol of unity and critical partners in grassroots governance, the governor noted that their influence and closeness to the people make them indispensable in driving peace, fostering communal harmony and supporting the successful implementation of government policies across the state.
He said his government will not relent in its efforts in supporting the traditional rulers, accord them respect, design policies and programmes that will continue to promote peaceful coexistence across the towns and villages in the state.
While commending the immediate past Chairman of the Council and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, for his exemplary leadership and the stability he brought to the council, Governor Oyebanji urged the royal fathers to support the new chairman to further move the council forward.
He said: “This new council is made up of 86 distinguished royal fathers, with 66 permanent members and 20 rotational members carefully selected from communities across the state, which will be chaired by Oba Samuel Adejimi Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti.
“This body of eminent traditional rulers will for the next two years help shape the course of our traditional preservation, offer critical counsel on matters that directly affect the lives and wellbeing of our people.
“Your majesties, I call on you all to rally round the new chair as he settles to his new role, leadership at this level demands maturity, consultation bridge building and cool headedness, I therefore appeal to the new chairman to lead with grace, and respect for all, the council must remain united, inspiring and venerable at all time.”
The governor also used the opportunity to inform the royal fathers of his intention to seek re-election, stating that the move is aimed at consolidating the gains of his administration and continuing the development strides recorded across the state.
Oyebanji appealed for their prayers, guidance, and support, assuring them that his commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and grassroots development remains unwavering.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Olaiya Atibioke, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to the welfare of the royal fathers.
Atibioke explained that the present administration had installed 10 traditional rulers between October 2022 and August this year.
Highlighting the achievements of the governor in the last three years, the Commissioner explained that the sitting and transport allowances of the monarchs had been increased from over N1 million to N6 million, while a special monthly package of N100 million was also given to cushion the effect of recent economic hardship.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Alagbado expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the honour and confidence reposed in him to lead the council.
He described the appointment as a sacred responsibility and pledged to serve with humility, fairness, and dedication to the unity and progress of the traditional institution and the entire state.
He assured his fellow royal fathers of his commitment to inclusive leadership, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing issues affecting their domains.
He called for unity among monarchs, noting that a peaceful and united council would be better positioned to support the state government’s efforts in deepening development, promoting culture, and sustaining peace across the state.
He also assured the governor that having demonstrated greater respect and commitment to development of the state in his first term, the royal fathers would support him to ensure the realisation of his second term ambition so that the good work he is doing can continue.
Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; and Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, among others.
