By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti state government, disregarded protests over creation of a new town, Ahun from the present Efon Alaaye community, went ahead to present staff of office to the first monarch of the new town, Oba Jacob Adelowo.
Following rise in tension in the area, the ceremony was shifted to the office of the Governor in Ado Ekiti with few invited guests allowed in.
The first Alahun of Ahun received the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office from the State Government at the ceremony in Ado.
This is coming just as a Group, Development League, called for caution over the creation of a new Ahun from Efom Alaaye.
Governor Fayemi said his administration in the last four years presented staff of office to 27 Coronated Oba across the state.
The presentation of the 27th Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office was done by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi on behalf of Mr Governor.
Governor Fayemi in his address congratulated the first Alahun of Ahun Ekiti, Oba Jacob Adelowo for ascending the throne.
He noted that granting autonomy to a community was not an attempt to fractionalize or disintegrate a compact community for any ulterior motive or political gains, but a response to genuine demands of the people who thought their deserved recognition would enhance development.
He charged him to rule with the fear of God, carry his Chiefs and other indigenes along in his decision making and as well live harmoniously with the people of the neighboring town, Efon Alaaye Ekiti.
The Executive Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Adegboyega Morakinyo said Ahun Ekiti was granted autonomy in September in accordance with section 6A of Ekiti State, Chiefs law.
The new Alahun, Oba Jacob Adelowo in his acceptance speech could not hide his joy as he thanked the State Government for granting his community autonomy and accorded him as the custodian after about 14years of agitation.
Oba Adelowo promised that a summit of all sons and daughters of the town would be called to channel rapid socio economic development in the town.
The Efon Devopment League, in a statement stated that “it received with the rudest shock what obviously looks Iike a rumour for lack of any political value: the purported recognition of an “Ahun Ekiti” from the ancient EFON-ALAAYE community.
“Our shock was aggravated further because the issue is subjudice as the matter is a part of the subjects of cases pending both at the State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and the Supreme Court of Nigeria vide suit SC/CV/1063/2021.
“The State Government had earlier in its white paper on the report of Justice Aladejana Committee noted that the case of Efon Alaaye community Vs Ahun can not be treated because of court cases.
“It is therefore worrisome that a democratically elected government can in a twist contemptuously commit such an affront against the highest court in the land.
“This is nothing sort of pushing the people to self help and an instigation to violence five days to the exit of Governor Kayode Fayemi.
“We state without equivocation that we stand with Kabiyesi, the Alaaye of Efon-Alaaye, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, PhD., CON that Efon Alaaye is one indivisible and indissoluble entity with recorded history dated back to 11th century A.D.
“This position is the position of the League and all Efon Alaaye people and which we are prepared to defend.
“We call on the Ekiti State Government to take cognizance of the cases in courts and restrain itself on this matter in the interest of peace, as we shall continue to appeal for calm in the town to the best of our ability but without guarantee in the meantime.”
The statement was signed by Bode Fagbemiro, president; and Afolabi Ige, Secretary.
