Adebayo Adenrele
…says Oyebanji’ll ensure installation of Monarchs bereft of crisis
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, has described the late politician and elder statesman, Chief George Akosile, as a dependable leader, who promoted the virtues of honesty, spartan lifestyle and integrity during his lifetime.
Afuye said this on monday during a condolence visit to the residence of the departed Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Igbara Odo Ekiti, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The deputy governor, who was received by the deceased’s eldest son , Olukayode, said in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, that Ekiti people will fondly remember the arduous and heroic roles played by Chief Akosile in the creation of Ekiti state in 1996.
She described the late ex-permanent Secretary and prominent politician, was a leader and mentor people could trust and pattern their life after, as a disciplined and contended personality .
She saluted Chief Akosile’s finesse, strong leadership reflex and knack to operate under a tensed atmosphere and succeed, which she said contributed principally to his superlative accomplishments as a Permanent Secretary and AD Chairman.
According to her, “The death of our Baba , Chief George Akosile, was a great loss to all of us in Ekiti. He was a patriotic leader . He was not only committed to the creation of Ekiti State, he worked relentlessly for its economic development and prosperity for its people.
“He was an reliable elder statesman, a stabiliser, peace maker and a leader with good emotion to handle any matter, no matter how sensitive and difficult.
“It was his worth that prompted Governor Biodun Oyebanji to offer him appointment at the age of 88, which he cheerfully accepted. This was very rare in Nigeria’s history.
“I condole with his family, Igbara-Odo people, the progressive political scions in Ekiti and southwest, as well as the entire people of Ekiti State on the demise of this respectable leader. May his soul find rest in the bosom of our Lord.”
In another development, the deputy governor has also assured all the ruling houses across the state that the government of Biodun Oyebanji will support any initiative devised by communities to make installation of traditional rulers bereft of crisis.
She gave the assurance while interacting with the members of the royal families from Egbe Ekiti, Ayekire Local Government Area over amendment being sought to the names of their Ruling Houses.
Afuye, who presided over the meeting, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stressed that the government will support actions taken by any community to stabilise the ruling houses for speedy installation of new Oba.
It was reported that the families had unanimously agreed to have the names being currently used by the two ruling houses: Fadumiye and Olokesusi changed to Atiilo and Ibeagbemi Ruling Houses.
“However, we will still do due diligence on this matter by reaching out to other critical stakeholders. This will guide us about the recommendations we will make to the State Executive Council that will grant the approval.
“This is because we don’t want anyone to rise up in future and say they were not carried along in the amendment process. Though, we have seen some evidence that showed that you were unanimous in your decision.
“To us as a government, the action taken was in order . What you are seeking is what we will do. If this is what you think will bring peace and stability to your town, we will support you”.
In his submission, the Owa Egbe, Oba Ayodele Ige, said the decision was jointly taken by the ruling houses to avert future crisis.
Oba Ige, represented by Sasere of Egbe- Ekiti, Chief Omoniyi Ige , justified the action with a claim that Ibeagbemi and Atiilo were the progenitors of Fadumiye and Olokesusi presently being used to represent the two ruling houses.
“This issue was not about anybody fighting over chieftaincy in Egbe Ekiti, but we want to go back to our roots. We want to respect our roots.
“Our father, Atiilo, who was a king at a time, was the father to Fadumiye and Ibeagbemi was the father to Olokesusi. How can we abandoned the fathers and our roots and be respecting their sons?
“We appeal to government to change the names to recognise these two heroes. These were the names that joined us together as princes and princesses in the royal houses”.
Defending the action further, two kingmakers from the community, Chiefs Alex Abegunde and Sunday Rotiba, stated that all the high chiefs backed the amendment being sought by the royal families.
