By Ayodele Oni
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged traditional rulers in the state to close ranks saying that their unity would ensure rapid development of their respective communities and the state in general.
Governor Oyebanji who addressed the Obas at the meeting of Council of Traditional Rulers on Tuesday, in Ado Ekiti, affirmed that if the state would witness massive development, there must be unity among the traditional rulers, who he described as the “representatives of God.”
Of recent there has been crisis among some royal fathers over classification and membership of the traditional council, which some of them believe that is meant for few among them.
The Governor declared that “I have a request to you my fathers, I plead for unity among our traditional rulers.
“I am too small to tell you what to do, but God will guide you, I just plead for total unity among you. My joy is to see all of you united.
“I was happy when I came here this morning and I met everybody here, I am happy and I appreciate you for this. This is the spirit of Ekiti parapo.”
While expressing his appreciation to the monarchs for their support for his administration so far, Governor Oyebanji restated his commitment to their welfare, stressing that their wellbeing will be of paramount interest to the administration.
“I am guided by three things whenever I appear before you. We made a covenant and I said that as your son I will respect you, I will reference you and your welfare will be a thing of priority.
“That was what I said before election and God helping me, I will remain committed to that.”
The Governor, who directed that the outstanding allowance of the monarchs be paid to them immediately, also informed them of government’s plans to start a mobile clinic that would focus on health care of the traditional rulers and their subjects.
He also tasked the traditional rulers on security in their respective domains, adding that government would provide necessary support to ensure safety and security of lives and properties across the state.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, appreciated the Governor for his humility and respect for the traditional rulers.
He listed the challenges of the Traditional Rulers to include welfare, traditional council chamber, security, and welfare of palace staffs among others.
The traditional rulers offered prayers for the Governor and his administration. The Owa Ooye of Oke Imesi, HRM Oba Micheal Gbadebo Adedeji, described the Governor as an epitome of ‘Omoluabi Ekiti’ and prayed for more wisdom for him.
