Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, has installed Olanrewaju Oni as the new Owa of Oke Ako in Ikole LGA of the state.
The stool had remained vacant for more than 25 years
following the death of Oba Omotayo Ogunbiyi of the Okediosan ruling house on
December 10, 2000.
Last week, the state government approved Oni’s appointment
from the Oke Aofin royal dynasty as the new monarch.
Oyebanji, represented by Monisade Afuye, his deputy,
presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the new monarch
at a ceremony on Monday.
The governor congratulated Oni and the people of Oke Ako on
the end of the prolonged interregnum, urging them to put past disagreements
behind them and work together to develop the community.
Oyebanji attributed the prolonged vacancy to legal battles
surrounding the selection process, which he said prevented the government from
completing the statutory procedures required for the installation of a new
monarch.
He urged the people to focus on rebuilding the community
after the dispute.
“I want to congratulate all of you today on this glorious
moment. This, to us, is victory at last. You didn’t have a traditional ruler
for over 25 years, but today, you are celebrating one after overcoming all past
challenges,” he said.
“I want you to look at the back, take stock and look for a
way to make up for the lost grounds. The best way for you to do this is by
allowing peace, unity and love. No town can develop without these.”
The governor cautioned against internal strife and appealed
to other contestants in the selection process to work with Oni to promote unity
and development.
He also commended Tinuade Ogunbiyi-Adebayo, the regent who
presided over the affairs of the community for more than 25 years, as well as
residents for supporting progressive leadership.
“I want you to work with Kabiyesi to restore the glory of
Oke Ako. With all of you working together as a team, this town will become
prosperous, progressive and successful,” Oyebanji said.
In his acceptance speech, Oni thanked the state government,
kingmakers and royal families for facilitating his installation after the
prolonged interregnum.
The monarch commended the governor for resolving the dispute
through what he described as due process, patience and commitment to the
interests of the community.
The new monarch pledged to unite the community and work with
stakeholders to address its development challenges.
He urged indigenes to set aside past grievances and support
his administration of the traditional institution.
“What this government did for this community by resolving a
matter that had lingered for over 25 years was impressive,” Oni said.
“From this day, I am pleading to every Oke Ako indigene,
regardless of which family you come from, regardless of which side of any past
dispute you stood in, regardless of what happened before, to make a decision
that we must forge ahead in unity.
“Whatever divided us in the past must be left behind. We
don’t have the luxury of carrying old grievances into a new era.”
Ojo Atibioke, commissioner for chieftaincy and home affairs,
said the process that produced Oni was conducted in accordance with the state
chiefs’ law and the customs and traditions of Oke Ako.
Atibioke said the installation provided an opportunity for
the community to move beyond years of uncertainty.
“Today belongs not only to the new Oba but also to all the
indigenes of Oke Ako. A vacant throne creates a gap in the life of a community.
A filled throne creates opportunities,” he said.
“The opportunity before Oke Ako now is to put years of
uncertainty behind and build a future in which the palace becomes the centre of
unity and development.”
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