Okitipupa (Ondo State) – The oil-rich Etikan Kingdom in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State was on Saturday agog as Gov. Olusegun Mimiko installed the new Olikan of Etikan, Oba Adedoyin Oyetakin, (Mafemiwa1)
The kingdom was peaceful as its indigenes and dignitaries joyfully exchanged pleasantries amidst mild security by the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Navy.
NAN reports that the Olikan stool which had been in vacuum since 2011 due to a tussle among the ruling houses, Mafemiwas, Ikumapayis and koguns is now in favour of the Mafemiwa’s.
In his address, Mimiko praised all Etikan indigenes for allowing peace to reign, adding that he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere.
The governor was represented by Mr Olusola Ebiseni, the state Commissioner for Environment,
He enjoined them to embrace peaceful co-existence and cooperate with the new monarch for the kingdom to experience rapid development.
Mimiko urged Etikan youths not to be used to foment trouble in the 2015 general elections.
“I am impressed today with this peaceful atmosphere as all indigenes are in one accord; this will attract tremendous development.
“Our youths must be careful not to be used as political thugs,’’ Mimiko said.
In his remarks, 51-year-old Oba Oyetakin gave glory to God Almighty for allowing him to ascend on the throne.
He also thanked Mimiko for giving him the staff of office.
The monarch, a former Chairman, Ilaje Express Oil Producing Community, said that ascending on the throne was an opportunity to serve his people, adding that his reign would bring development.
The Political Science graduate of the Delta State University, appealed to all those who contested for the throne with him to give him the needed support and cooperation.
He promised to run an open and transparent government.
“I give thanks to God Almighty; I appreciate Gov. Mimiko and his government; I thank the kingmakers for choosing me; I appreciate all Etikan sons and daughters for their support.
“I appeal to all dissenting voices to be calm in the interest of this kingdom; to those I offended and those who felt offended, I am sorry,’’ the royal father said.
His wife, Olori Funmilola Oyetakin, told NAN that she would give all support for her husband to succeed.
Funmilayo said that she would mobilise women to promote peace and unity.
“As the mother of all women now, I will advise the king to bring succour to women because, with their support, success is sure,’’ she said.
Soji Ayenuro, the Caretaker Chairman, Ilaje L.G.A., said that the coronation was historic, urging all indigenes to be in one accord to be able to enjoy dividends of democracy.
Benson Obayelu, the President, Ilaje League of Professionals, also said that the monarch would be given the necessary support by his team and all the indigenes for Etikan kingdom to develop.
An Etikan indigene, Mrs Kemi Akinlure, told NAN: Our kingdom is peaceful; if there is no peace, you will see factions; Oba Oyetakin is the choice of all.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony are Mr Banji Okunomo, a former Chairman, Ilaje L.G.A., Oba Felix Omowole, the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom and Oba Adeyemi Adesayo, the Ahaba of Ajagba.
The others include Oba Adeyemi Akinmusere, the Oludoko of Udokoland; Princess Olusola Ebiseni, the Regent Kasulawe of Apoi Land; and Princess Adekemi Onibade, the Reagent of Uso Owo; among others.
NAN reports that a gospel artiste, Esther Igbekele, thrilled the people with gospel music to add glamour to the occasion. (NAN)