By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has presented the staff of office to the new Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, with a charge to use his position to foster unity and development of his kingdom.
Fayemi described the new royal father’s ascension as a divine call to duty and service which calls for due diligence, sacrifice, initiative, effective service delivery and perseverance.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, expressed satisfaction that the process which produced the new Oluyin was peaceful and did not degenerate into uncontrollable controversies.
The new monarch succeeded the late Oba John Ademola Ajakaye, who reigned for 13 years and joined his ancestors on Sept. 18, 2019.
He advised the Oluyin to exercise the powers bestowed on him with restraint and the fear of God.
He advised the monarch to tread the path of reconciliation as he settles down to his royal duties.
Fayemi appealed to the people of Iyin Ekiti to allow the spirit of oneness and sincerity of purpose to reflect in their support and cooperation with their new monarch in his quest at ensuring meaningful development in the interest of all.
The governor commended the traditional rulers in the state for their support for his administration and their contributions to the sustenance of peace and stability in their respective domains.
He used the occasion to restate the commitment of his administration to community development, noting that various ongoing projects including the new Ado-Iyin Expressway were geared toward economic development and improvement of the standards of living of the residents of the state.
The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Mr. Sina Ogunleye, lauded the Iyin Ekiti kingmakers for painstakingly working to choose a new Oba for the community.
Ogunleye who described the selection process as difficult and challenging, nevertheless, urged the indigenes of Iyin Ekiti to support their new royal father so that they could jointly take the town to greater heights.
The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeniyi Familoni, hailed Fayemi for his interest in ensuring that all vacant royal stools in the state are filled as soon as possible.
Familoni explained that the selection process was keenly monitored to ensure it was done in compliance with extant rules and in line with the tradition of the people of Iyin Ekiti.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ajakaye pledged to harness the energy and ingenuity of the people of Iyin Ekiti to stimulate the social and economic development of the town as he begins his reign.
Ajakaye, who unfolded his development blueprint for his kingdom, pledged to leverage on technology, intelligence gathering and tap from the abundant human, agricultural and tourism resources to lift the town to national and international prominence.
The monarch promised to revive and raise the profile of the town’s traditional festivals, in order to make it a preferred tourist destination, noting that the ancient Esa Cave would be developed in conjunction with the state government.
He also promised to establish a Digital Resource that would become the repository of the history of Iyin Ekiti and the hub of research, while there would be a database of unemployed sons and daughters of the town.
Oba Ajakaye unfolded his desire to ensure human capital development of Iyin Ekiti and develop it into a modern city through an urban renewal strategy.
He added: “We also intend to pioneer the development of modern real estates in Iyin Ekiti so that the town can benefit from its nearness to Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
The Oluyin also promised to encourage the establishment of cottage and small scale industries and service businesses including bakeries, dry cleaning services and functional hospitals while encouraging the use of clean and green energy.
The event was witnessed by the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who was represented by Oba Adebisi Segun , the Alara Oodaye of Ara land, Ile-Ife.
Also Alawe of Illawe Ekiti and Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebanji Alabi and some political holders attended the event.
(NAN)
