The Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has warned the citizens against actions that could trigger internal unrests capable of creating divisions, as Oba Stephen Adegboyega Alabi was enthroned as the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of the state.
The governor maintained that his government has been impartial in the installation of any monarch.
The governor said these in Osi Ekiti, on Saturday, while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Alabi, a renowned broadcast journalist and lawyer, who ascended the throne.
The coveted first class royal seat became vacant after the demise of Oba Oladiran Adewoye Agunbiade in August 2021.
The new monarch was selected from the Arubiojo Royal House through a rigorous selection process.
In his message of peace to the town, Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, urged the contestants and other stakeholders, who lost out in the contest for the royal stool to cooperate with the monarch, saying, “only God can enthrone a king.”
Responding to the allegations of bias in the selection process, the deputy governor said: “We didn’t know any of the contestants and we didn’t collect bribes or gratifications from anyone. We only acted on the name submitted to us by the kingmakers.
“We want to state expressly that our government has no reason to turn down any name forwarded to us for consideration by kingmakers. We have always acted as unbiased umpire on any issue that deals with traditional rulers and we will continue to accord that institution the deserved respect. ”
Harping on the imperative of unity,
she said: “I want all of you to see this contest as a case of no victor, no vanquished. It was a collective victory. You should also remember that this town belongs to all of you. If you develop it, then you will all take the glory together and generations yet unborn won’t forget your contributions.”
In his submission, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atobioke, said the selection of Oba Alabi was approved by the state government, after emerging through a transparent and open contest.
Atobioke applauded governor Oyebanji for ensuring that all the vacant stools in the state are filled without crisis and bloodshed, saying this has helped in attracting development to the grassroots.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Alabi applauded Governor Oyebanji for speedily acceding to the request to fill the vacant stool of Olosi.
He said the action portrayed the governor as having enormous respect for traditional institution.
The monarch promised to restore peace among the ruling houses, promote education of his subjects, foster religious harmony, ensure political harmony and take proper actions for his subjects to be accorded prominence in elective and appointive political positions.
“My mission is to restore the lost glory of Osi Ekiti. This is a town with rich cultural values and strategic historical placement in Ekiti and Yorubaland. It is an objective that will require multiple tasks. We shall pursue the restoration agenda with vigour and we must achieve it,” he said.
The event was attended by former Governor Segun Oni, ex- Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Omolade Oluwateru, Senator Tony Adeniyi, commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, and members of Nigerian Bar Association, among others.
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