Oyebanji Seeks to Partner Obas in Tackling Insecurity
*Presents staff of office to Onikoyi
*Says he imbibed humility, hardwork from his 90-yr-old father
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated that his government was relying heavily on the partnership of the royal fathers to tame the hydra-headed problems of insecurity bedeviling the state.
The governor stated that the monarchs were central and pivotal to peace building process and maintenance of law and orders in their respective domains, urging them to spiritedly discharge their duties to safeguard the lives of the residents.
Oyebanji said this in Ikoyi Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, on Friday, while presenting the staff and instrument of office to Onikoyi, Oba Akinwande Moses Ogundana.
The seat became vacant following the demise of Oba Olalere Falaki, on August 5, 2022, while the process for the selection of a new occupant of the royal seat kick-started on January 3, 2023.
Presenting the instrument, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appreciated the monarchs for acting like true stabilisers and peace makers in their towns.
The Governor, however, pointed out that more concerted, cohesive and stronger united fronts were required to tame the occasional kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state through the activities of some evil doers.
“I want to commend our royal fathers for their exceptional support and contributions toward ensuring security, peace and stability in their domains, and for being there always to resolve knotty issues of varying dimensions for the benefit of your communities.
“As traditional rulers, you sit on a throne of power and enjoy privileges that are peculiar to your office. You are bound to face several challenges and shoulder greater responsibilities, which at times may be very heavy and seem uneasy to bear. Always remember that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. This should always be your guiding principle.”
He congratulated Oba Ogundana for ascending the throne of his forebears, urging him to accommodate all divergent interests to Fasttrack development in the town.
Meanwhile, Oyebanji, Saturday, described his father, Pa Ezekiel Oyebanji, as a man, who placed great value on honesty, integrity, humility, hard work and self -discipline, virtues, which according to him, had helped in shaping his personality.
The governor also stated that those who had been speculating possible political crisis between him and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, would be grossly disappointed, adding that the cord of their relationship stood strong and unbreakable.
Oyebanji spoke during a thanksgiving service held at the First Baptist Church, Ikogosi Ekiti, marking the 90th birthday celebration of his father, who is a retired school principal.
