The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the need to engender socio-economic development was the reason for granting autonomy to new communities in the state.
Fayemi said that granting an autonomy to any community is jot an attempt to unreasonably factionalize or disintegrate a hitherto compact community for any ulterior motive or political gains but a response to the genuine demand that such recognition would enhance genuine development.
The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday while presenting staff of office to the first Oloja Owa of Owatedo Ekiti in Ijero Local Government, Oba David Olawumi Olofinlade, seven months after the community was granted autonomy.
Fayemi, represented by his deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi called on the new monarch to use the autonomy granted to rally his subjects for execution of community projects that will accelerate its pace of development.
The governor congratulated the traditional rulers and the people of Owatedo on the autonomy granted the community in December 2019, urged them to use their new status to unite for the task of greater socio-economic development.
He charged the new Oba to see himself as a father to all his subjects irrespective of their political, religious and social affiliations.
While tasking the Oloja Owa on the responsibilities ahead of him, Fayemi counselled the monarch to see his enthronement as a divine call to service noting that his new status demands diligence, sacrifice, initiatives and perseverance to succeed on the throne.
He enjoined Oba Olofinlade to ensure that peace reigns in his domain and also lead his subjects in ensuring a peaceful relationship with neighbouring communities, particularly Ipoti Ekiti and Ejiyan Ekiti.
In his acceptance speech, the Oloja Owa, Oba Olofinlade, said his ascension to the throne marked the beginning of a new era on the history of Owatedo promising to discharge his royal duties to ghw beat of his ability.
The royal father described the autonomy granted his community as a vehicle aimed at attracting progress from all walks of life calling on his subjects to abhor hatred, bitterness, hostility and other acts that can impede peace and progress.
He showered encomiums on the Governor whom he said God had used to restore the lost values, culture, tradition and glory of Owatedo expressing joy at being the custodian of the town’s culture and tradition.
Oba Olofinlade promised to channel his energy towards making his kingdom a sight of attraction to the outside world and also ensure that peace and harmony are maintained with all neighboring towns.
