By Our Reporter
Emure-Ekiti | July 17, 2025
In a display of deep cultural reverence and communal solidarity, Honourable (Engr.) Bayo Ajayi, a respected public servant and prominent son of Emure Kingdom, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, Otutubiosun I, Ajigbotolu, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, at his palace in Emure-Ekiti.
The visit, which was described as both symbolic and timely, was primarily aimed at offering heartfelt congratulations and reaffirming loyalty and respect to the revered monarch, whose leadership has continued to bring unity, peace and progress to the ancient kingdom.
Receiving Hon. Ajayi in the palace, Oba Ajiboye, adorned in full regal attire and surrounded by members of the traditional council, expressed gratitude for the honour accorded him by the visiting dignitary. The monarch appreciated the kind gesture and acknowledged the importance of such engagements in promoting harmony and reinforcing traditional values.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Bayo Ajayi congratulated the royal father on the ongoing success of his reign, describing him as a beacon of wisdom, a pillar of cultural identity and a monarch deeply committed to the advancement of Emure land.
“Your Majesty, I have come not just to pay homage, but also to express my profound admiration for the noble way you have carried the crown of our ancestors. Your reign has been marked by uncommon wisdom, community-building, and peace. It is indeed a privilege to identify with this palace and celebrate your enduring leadership,” Engr. Ajayi stated.
He further noted that the visit was part of his ongoing engagements with traditional rulers and community stakeholders, aimed at fostering unity and grassroots collaboration for the development of Emure and its environs.
Hon. Ajayi emphasized that in a time where societal values are increasingly eroding, the need to uphold respect for traditional authority, culture, and institutions cannot be overstated. He added that Oba Ajiboye’s reign represents a guiding light for the younger generation and a reminder of the strength found in cultural identity and heritage.
In his brief remarks, the Elemure of Emure, Oba Ajiboye, praised Hon. Ajayi for his humility, community spirit, and continued support for the palace. He urged other sons and daughters of Emure to emulate such acts of loyalty and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the kingdom, irrespective of political or social affiliations.
The royal father also used the occasion to call for deeper partnerships between traditional institutions and political leadership, stressing that mutual respect and collaboration remain vital ingredients for grassroots development and social stability.
The visit was rounded off with royal prayers for Engr. Ajayi, followed by photo sessions and informal interactions with elders and palace chiefs who commended the gesture as a reaffirmation of unity between the palace and the people.
The visit has been widely applauded in Emure and beyond, as many community members described it as a noble reaffirmation of the timeless values of humility, respect for authority, and loyalty to traditional institutions.
As Hon. Bayo Ajayi took his leave, he once again extended his congratulations to Kabiyesi, praying for a long, peaceful, and impactful reign over the affairs of Emure Kingdom.
