By Oluwafemi Popoola
The new Elepe of Epe-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government of Ekiti State, HRM Oba Ayodeji Williams Adesoye was on Friday presented his staff of office and certificate of appointment by Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at a brief ceremony held in the state house.
The Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, said he was confident that the new Elepe possessed the necessary experience required to steer the ship of the town and attract more development to it.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the throne of the Elepe became vacant following the demise of the last occupant, Oba Emmanuel Agbeleoba on 30th November, 2018.
The governor, however, emphasized that the process to fill the stool commenced on 24th June, 2019 when the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs directed the next Ruling House to commence the selection process in line with the Chiefs Law of Ekiti State.
Noting that the selection of Oba Adesoye was in line with the provisions of Paragraph 1, Section 8 of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law 2012, assuring that the process was fair and devoid of any political colouration.
In his acceptance speech, the 32-year-old, Oba Ayodeji Williams Adesoye appreciated the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi for his peaceful transition policy in traditional governance. He also commended the kingmakers and other stakeholders who were painstaking in their approach to enthroning a new king and making sure the coronation was a reality.
Speaking further, Oba Adesoye said he accepted the staff of office and instrument of appointment in great joy and appreciation.
According to the traditional ruler” Your Excellency, Your Majesties, ladies and gentlemen, what I have been trying to say so far is that I accept the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment that have been presented to me as the Kabiyesi, Elepe of Epe Ekiti. Not without exceeding joy and gratefulness of heart.
“Today is an important history-making in the life of Epe-Ekiti, the land and its people. It is a day long-awaited, and its realization comes as some benevolence from God through the government of our state.”
“This occasion crowns the series of rituals that makes a contemporary monarch. As such, it completes my launch into full administration of our community. It is therefore no overstatement that the occasion we here witness marks a new day and a new turn in the history of our land.”
Concerning his willingness to work closely with relevant stakeholders for the progress of Epe-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area and Ekiti State. He said “ I am determined to always be in synergy with relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peace, stability, growth and development of Epe-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area and Ekiti State.
“I am particularly determined to reach up on the scale, continually, as an example of contemporary and future-bound leadership, yet with a consciousness of history, tradition and the customs of our most natural humanity. The people of Epe are eager to fly Epe to enviable heights. We will work on this as a family.”
Oba Ayodeji Adesoye finally appealed to the state government for the rehabilitation of the road linking Ijero, Epe, Araromi and Iropora Ekiti which is in poor condition.
“Your Excellency, we need the favour of your government. On the road linking Ijero, Epe, Araromi and Iropora Ekiti, we can only ask for your mercy, for the condition of the road is capable of isolating our community, hampering the commerce related to farming which is our mainstay, and suspending enterprise for half a century.”
“The road linking Epe and Osi Ekiti would be a cost-effective, strategic link between the two axes. Restoring that road only means restoring an erstwhile channel of commercial and cultural interaction; and the road joining Epe and Ara Ekiti at Ekameta Community High School would promote grassroots trade and industry if it was built into a pliable shape. For emphasis, Your Excellency, none of our roads is in good shape,” he said.
The ceremony had in attendance Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi, the Chairman, Ijero Local Government Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole JP, the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, political functionaries, Epe-Ekiti chiefs, members of the coronation committee, among others.
