New Obas’ Chamber ‘ll Boost Ekiti Monarchs’ Relevance in Governance, Says Deputy Gov

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, has described the newly constructed Traditional Council Chamber for the monarchs in the state as a masterpiece that will inject inclusivity into governance in the state.

Afuye posited that the edifice is replete with modern facilities and accessories that will guarantee comfort during regular meetings of all Ekiti Obas, which she stressed, would further make them good allies and partners to drive Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s policies.

The deputy governor gave the hint in Ado Ekiti yesterday while inspecting the newly constructed ultra-modern Traditional Council Chamber and the renovation work being undertaken at the deputy governor’s office.

The inspection team also included the Special Adviser, Bureau of Special Project to the Governor, Tope Ogunleye; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi; Executive Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adegboyega Morakinyo, among others.

Afuye described the traditional institution as a pivot for peace, development, and hitch-free coexistence among diverse people in any state, saying their relevance to governance can’t be underestimated under any guise.

She commended Governor Oyebanji for placing a high premium priority on the welfare of the traditional rulers, particularly his interest in ensuring the speedy completion of the edifice he inherited from the government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The deputy governor exuded confidence that having a structure that could serve as a rendezvous for all the 140 monarchs in Ekiti State and fast-track regular holding of their meetings will bolster their relevance and inclusion in the running of government.

“You could see that this structure is a masterpiece that contains over 140 seats that can accommodate all our traditional rulers for any meeting.

“The old structure at the old governor’s office, which they are currently using is not only small and choky, it could hardly contain the 82-council members at a time. This necessitated the Conceptualisation of this project to accommodate and give them comfort.

“The building is about 98 percent completed, and the next council meeting will be held here as promised by Governor Oyebanji. This structure is unique in the Southwest, and you can go round all the states to confirm this.

“We can all attest to how Governor Oyebanji has been showing respect to the traditional institution. This is also part of the governor’s initiatives to raise the standards of their welfare, relevance, and inclusion in governance so that their inputs can be relevant in policy making,” Afuye said.

Also commenting on the project, the Special Adviser, Bureau of  Special Project, Ogunleye, revealed that the building is ready for inauguration, adding that it will ease the assemblage of the traditional rulers during statutory meetings.