Emure-Ekiti (Ekiti): Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti presented the staff of office to the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ajiboye, on Thursday, cautioning aggrieved contenders to the stool against frivolous court cases.
Oyebanji, while speaking at the ceremony in Emure, emphasised that the government did not interfere in the selection process of the traditional ruler.
The stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Emmanuel Adebayo on May 20, 2024.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, called on contenders to support Oba Ajiboye to fast-track development in the town.
He urged the indigenes to work towards the unity and progress of the town rather than instituting court cases that could cause division among them.
“I want to appeal to those who have instituted cases in the court to challenge the selection process to withdraw them and join hands with the new Oba to develop this town.
“The development, peace, and unity of this kingdom and its respect should be paramount to all of you, not the removal of the traditional ruler,” he said.
The governor stated that the approval of the new Elemure was carried out by the customs and traditions of the town.
Oyebanji stated that the government decided to expedite the installation of a new traditional ruler to prevent a vacuum.
The governor described the Elemure as a first-class stool, a respectable kingdom, with a vast and rich culture that required respect and stability.
Oyebanji promised to work with the new Elemure to bring development to the town and to tackle the challenges of insecurity.
In response, Oba Ajiboye commended the state government and the kingmakers for their painstaking and transparent approach to the selection process.
The traditional ruler promised to unite all the warring factions in the town and form a synergy with the government to tackle the menace of insecurity in the axis.
“It is my appeal to my brothers who contested against me to join me in the task of developing this town.
“We have no other town to call ours. I am focused on my passion for development, and I will not be distracted,” he said.
