The Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has installed Oba Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni as the new monarch of the Oke Ako community, in the Ikole Local Government Area of State.
Penpushing reports that the installation of Oni as the Owa of Oke-Ako brought excitement to the community and residents after 25 years of the vacant stool, however, last week the state government approved the installation
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, at the presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to the new monarch, congratulated the monarch and the town for overcoming the difficulties witnessed during the interregnum.
“I want to congratulate all of you today on this glorious moment. This, to us, is victory at last. You didn’t have a traditional ruler for over 25 years, but today, you are celebrating one after overcoming all past challenges’, the governor said.
“I want you to look at the back, take stock and look for way to make up for the lost grounds. The best way for you to do this is by allowing peace, unity and love. No town can develop without these’, he added
Penpushing further reports that Oyebanji warned against unwarranted internal strife and acrimony in the town, and appealed to other contestants to partner with the new traditional ruler to rev up the pedal of unity and development and create a vista of recognition for Oke Ako among the comity of towns in Ekiti”
The governor said the long drawn legal battles that accompanied the selection process caused a major impediment that prevented government from exercising the statutory and legal procedures that could speed up the enthronement of a new monarch since the demise of Oba Omotayo Ogunbiyi, from the Okediosan Ruling House, on December 10, 2000.
Penpushing also reports that he praised the Regent, Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi-Adebayo, who presided over the community for over 25 years as well the people of the town for always identifying with progressive leadership.
The Governor urged them to bring such spirit to bear in working with the new royal father to attract development to Oke Ako, stressing that with all the subjects working together the ancient town will be prosperous
“I want you to work with Kabiyesi to restore the glory of Oke Ako. With all of you working together as a team, this town will become prosperous, progressive and successful. Kindly do all within your powers to cooperate with him for the benefit of all of you’;, he stated
Penpushing reports that Oni, who is from Oke Aofin Royal Dynasty in his acceptance speech, lauded the state government, kingmakers and royal families on the installation of a new monarch after the interregnum, promising to work hard and justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I must acknowledge you specifically. What this government did for this community by resolving a matter that had lingered for over 25 years was impressive. The governor did this through due process, patience, and genuine commitment to doing what was right for Oke-Ako community. We are grateful. I am personally grateful’, he said
Penpushing further reports that he assured the people that he would work assiduously to unite and develop the community, by partnering with all stakeholders, regardless of past grievances to lift the town out of underdevelopment to a pedestal of economic, political and social prosperity.
“From this day, I am pleading to every Oke Ako indigene, regardless of which family you come from, regardless of which side of any past dispute you stood in, regardless of what happened before, to make a decision that we must forge ahead in unity. Whatever divided us in the past must be left behind. We don’t have the luxury of carrying old grievances into a new era.”
Penpushing also reports that Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, explained that the process that produced the new monarch was undertaken with full fidelity to the state Chiefs Law, and in compliance with the culture, customs and traditions of Oke Ako town.
“Today belongs not only to the new Oba, but to all the indigenes of Oke Ako. A vacant throne creates a gap in the life of a community. A filled throne creates opportunities. The opportunity before Oke Ako now is to put years of uncertainty behind and build a future in which the palace becomes the centre of unity and development’, Atibioke
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