…Governor Oyebanji urges unity, integrity among royal fathers
By our Reporter
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday formally inaugurated the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, as the 13th Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, with a charge to lead with integrity, mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to unity among monarchs in the state.
The ceremony, which held at the Traditional Council Chambers in Ado Ekiti, was attended by top government officials, dignitaries, and dozens of royal fathers from across the state.
Governor Oyebanji, in his address, described Oba Alagbado as a respected and highly experienced monarch whose reign in Ikere-Ekiti has brought peace, stability and development. He expressed confidence that the new Chairman’s proven leadership qualities would further strengthen harmony and cooperation within the council.
The Governor noted that the newly constituted council is made up of 86 eminent royal fathers—66 permanent members and 20 rotational members—drawn from communities across the state. Over the next two years, he said, the council would play a key role in safeguarding Ekiti’s cultural heritage, advising on chieftaincy matters, customary law and other issues referred to them by the state government.
Recognising the indispensable role of the traditional institution as custodians of culture, symbols of unity and critical partners in grassroots governance, Governor Oyebanji stressed that their closeness to the people places them in a strategic position to promote peace, strengthen community bonds and ensure smooth implementation of government policies.
“My administration will continue to support our royal fathers, accord them the highest respect, and design programmes and policies that foster peaceful coexistence in all our towns and villages,” he assured.
The Governor also commended the immediate past Chairman of the Council, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, for the stability and progress recorded under his tenure. He urged all monarchs to rally round Oba Alagbado as he assumes leadership, adding:
“Leadership at this level demands maturity, consultation, bridge-building and cool-headedness. I appeal to the new Chairman to lead with grace and respect for all, so that the council remains united, inspiring, and venerable at all times.”
In a significant political note, Governor Oyebanji used the occasion to inform the royal fathers of his intention to seek re-election, saying his second term bid was aimed at consolidating on the achievements of his administration. He sought their prayers, guidance and support, while pledging continued transparency, inclusiveness, and grassroots-focused governance.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr. Olaiya Atibioke, lauded the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers. He revealed that between October 2022 and August this year, the present administration had installed ten monarchs across the state.
Highlighting some of the Governor’s interventions, Atibioke disclosed that sitting and transport allowances for traditional rulers had been increased from a little over ₦1 million to ₦6 million, while a special monthly package of ₦100 million had been approved to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for the honour and trust bestowed on him. He described the appointment as a sacred responsibility and pledged to serve with humility, fairness, and dedication to the unity and progress of both the traditional institution and the state.
The new Chairman assured his colleagues of inclusive leadership and mutual respect, calling for unity among royal fathers as a means of strengthening their collective capacity to support the state’s drive for development, cultural preservation, and sustained peace.
He also pledged the council’s backing for Governor Oyebanji’s second term ambition, describing the Governor’s first term as one marked by exceptional respect for the traditional institution and tangible development across the state.
The event was graced by several top officials, including Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; and Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, among others.
