Adebayo Adenrele
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaiye, has cautioned kingmakers and stakeholders in Ilawe-Ekiti against manipulating the process of selecting the next Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, urging them to ensure that merit, integrity and competence guide the emergence of the town’s new traditional ruler.
The Bishop gave the charge on Saturday during a thanksgiving mass held at St. John Pro-Cathedral, Ilawe-Ekiti, in honour of the late Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I (2011-2026).
The thanksgiving service attracted several eminent Nigerians, including former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN); former Deputy Governor, Senator Biodun Olujimi; traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries, who paid glowing tributes to the late monarch.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Ajakaiye urged the people of Ilawe-Ekiti to preserve the legacy of peace, unity and selfless service left behind by Oba Alabi, describing the late monarch’s life as one worthy of celebration rather than mourning.
He warned against division and undue influence during the process of choosing a new Alawe, stressing that the future of the community depends largely on the quality of leadership that succeeds the late monarch.
According to him, those entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the next traditional ruler must resist all forms of manipulation and ensure that only the most qualified candidate emerges.
“There are people already preparing for the throne, but not all have the capacity or the will to serve. Let merit prevail. Do not cut corners. God is watching. We want the best successor, one who will even surpass the achievements of the late Alawe.
“Let us be builders and not destroyers. Let us embrace positivity and not negativity. Whatever position we find ourselves in, let us do the will of God and use our talents to glorify Him”.
While reflecting on the life of the late monarch, Bishop Ajakaiye described him as a leader who dedicated his life to the service of God, his people and humanity, urging residents to emulate his virtues of humility, diligence and commitment to community development.
Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Biodun Olujimi, described Oba Alabi as a compassionate, humble and accessible monarch who remained committed to the welfare of his subjects throughout his reign.
“He apologised for not keeping in touch, which showed the kind of humble person he was. He loved Ilawe passionately and worked tirelessly for its progress. The community will greatly miss him,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the royal family, the Regent of Ilawe-Ekiti, Princess Fadekemi Alabi, described her late father as a disciplined, hardworking and visionary leader whose life inspired countless people.
She said the overwhelming tributes received since his passing reflected the enormous impact he made on the community and beyond.
“He was a unifier who always brought people together and inspired the best in others. He believed that no dream was impossible if one was willing to work hard. I urge everyone to take a cue from his life because hard work and dedication can help anyone achieve greatness”.
A media adviser to the late monarch, High Chief Ajibade Olubunmi, described Oba Alabi as the architect of modern Ilawe-Ekiti, crediting him with numerous landmark achievements, including improvements in road infrastructure, strengthened communal harmony, the establishment of a Federal College of Education and sustained efforts to secure a campus of the Nigerian Law School for the town.
Also speaking, the late monarch’s younger brother, Professor Adetayo Alabi, described Oba Alabi as an exceptional leader whose brilliance, discipline and selfless devotion to Ilawe-Ekiti distinguished him throughout his life.
He noted that the late monarch worked tirelessly for the progress of the community, often spending long hours pursuing development initiatives and leveraging his experience as a diplomat to attract strategic projects to the town.
