The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has tasked the new Onijesa of Ijesamodu Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government, Oba Samuel Oluwafemi Daramola, to foster unity among his subjects and work for the development of the community.
The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who spoke while presenting the instrument of appointment and staff of office to the new traditional ruler also urged him to extend his hands of fellowship to those who contested with him to sustain harmony in his kingdom.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the throne became vacant following the demise of the last Onijesa, Oba Samuel Agboola Osatuyi, who joined his ancestors on 15th October, 2018 after reigning for 49 years.
Oba Daramola’s appointment as the new Onijesa was approved by the State Executive Council at its meeting held on 10th March, 2021 after his nomination had fulfilled the provisions of the State Chiefs Law 2012 and the Chieftaincy Declaration of Ijesamodu Ekiti.
Congratulating Oba Daramola on the ascension of the throne of his forefathers, Dr. Fayemi appealed to the people of the town to allow the spirit of oneness and sincerity of purpose reflect in their support and cooperation with the new king.
The Governor who charged the monarch to immediately commence reconciliation process with the contestants who lost in the kingship race also admonished indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to come home and contribute their quota to the development of their home town.
He said: “I am sure that with your background and experience, it would not be difficult for you to foster cooperation and unity among your people to elevate your community to an enviable status. You need the support of everybody for a peaceful reign.
“This is the more reason you should extend hands of fellowship to those who contested the throne with you. I am, therefore, imploring you to broker peace within the community in the shortest possible time.”
Speaking after receiving the sceptre of office, Oba Daramola described his ascension as a sacred duty to provide quality leadership for his subjects and galvanise all and sundry to take the town to greater heights.
The royal father promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by everybody who contributed to his emergence, pledging his commitment towards collaborating with the government to bring social, economic and infrastructural development to his domain.
Oba Daramola appealed to the state government to rehabilitate the road linking Ijesamodu Ekiti with Oye Ekiti to aid transportation, farming and other economic activities.
He said: “I accept this staff of office with utmost sense of responsibility to open a new chapter in Ijesamodu Ekiti. I promise to always work in synergy with relevant stakeholders on issues of peace and development of the kingdom.”
The presentation which held at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office was performed in line with COVID-19 protocols.
