From Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the autonomy recently granted to five communities in the state followed due process and done in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
The governor said the autonomy granted was apolitical and in tandem with principles of fairness and justice after being recommended by the Justice Jide Aladejana-led Chieftaincy Review Commission and endorsed by the State Executive Council.
Fayemi made the disclosure on Saturday while presenting the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Matthew Ajayi Elejogun, the first Asaya of Isaya Ekiti, in Ekiti East Local Government, one of the new autonomous communities.
Represented by the deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the governor congratulated Oba Elejogun for emerging as the first monarch of the community which he said was not by happenstance but an act of providence.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, explained that the Isaya Ekiti indigenes at the coronation ceremony showered encomiums on Fayemi for counting their community worthy of the autonomy.
The Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, who is also the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, led others monarchs from others communities to the ceremony.
Giving the new royal father recipes for success in his royal duties, Fayemi stressed that the responsibilities of developing the town and leading his subjects to the Promised Land now rested on his shoulders.
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The governor pointed out that the traditional ruler, by his installation, has become the custodian of custom and tradition of Isaya people which he must jealously guard.
Fayemi admonished the new Oba to see himself as the father, the adviser, the judge, the mediator, the protector of custom and the rallying point for all his subjects.
He said: “It is important for me to state here and for our people to understand that all processes leading to the granting of autonomy to deserving communities in Ekiti State were carried out with adequate consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
“Recourse was made to the appropriate laws in a manner that was purely objective and based on the principles of fairness and justice.
“I urge you to love the town and its dwellers. Consult your people on all important issues so that you can win their confidence for the collective development of the community.
“To the sons and daughters of Isaya Ekiti, both at home and in the diaspora, I advise you to cooperate with the Kabiyesi in order to bring the needed development to this town.”
The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeniyi Familoni, noted that the grant of autonomy to Isaya which culminated in the coronation was devoid of bias and sentiment.
Speaking after being handed the sceptre of authority, Oba Elejogun pledged to serve the community and work for its physical, social and economic development.
Oba Elejogun identified the needs of his kingdom to include stable electricity, citing of industrial projects and a tertiary institution, security of lives and properties, among others.
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