The Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, Odo-Oja, Ikere local government in Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayodele Obasoyin says President Bola Tinubu is trying his best to bring better hope for Nigerians, but needed to do more with emphasis place on welfare of the populace especially those at the local level.
The monarch said this while addressing Journalists at his Palace in Ikere Ekiti during this year’s Olosunta Festival thanksgiving ceremony as part of the week-long activities marking the annual event.
This year’s celebration was witnessed by cream de-la cream in the society including Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Honourable Victor Adeniyi, traditional rulers including the Onire of Ire Ekiti, Oba Adeleke Bobade, present and past political office holders, market traders, leaders and members of transport unions, indigenes across various quarters and members of ethnic groups resident in the town
Oba Obasoyin who observed that lot of damages had been done to the nation’s economy before the emergence of President Tinubu, however commended his Renewed Hope Agenda while noting that the best is yet to come.
Commenting on the roles of Monarchs and inclusion in the Nigeria Constitution, Olukere noted that the move was long overdue, as they have critical roles to play in governance, calling on the National Assembly to expedite action as soon as possible.
This according to him will in no small measure help in ensuring adequate security of lives and property as the royal heads are well familiar with the terrain of their various localities.
Speaking on the significance of Olosunta festival in Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Obasoyin explained that it is the major and only traditional festival observes annually as it unites the three quarters in the town. He stated further that the festival brings some indigenes home and people from other background to witness the historical celebration.
The Monarch commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye for their keen interest at making Olosunta festival a tourist attraction, saying several visits of the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre unveiled government’s plan to develop the ancient historic hill into a commercial hub.
He called on people resident in the town to always embrace peace as being enjoyed regardless of the differences that surfaced, while urging all well to do Indigenes in the diaspora to visit home and be parts of Contributors of development of the community.
Olukere maintained that since his enthronement and presentation of staff of office five years ago, Ikere has been witnessing a tremendous growth in all facets from the local, state and federal government, citing the establishment of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology(BOUESTI), Nigeria Army Barrack as examples.
‘’Since I ascended the throne of my forefathers and I have been doing the way it was been done by my forefathers; we have been having answers to most things that had been difficult for us in the past years in Ikere. For quite a long time we have been yearning for a University, and after I got on the throne, appeasing the gods as it should be done, praying to God almighty to give us a University, government looked at our request and gave us BOUESTI, a military barrack.’’ Olukere added
He spoke further that Ikere has not enjoyed federal presence for the 500 years, but within the spate of 5 years, the town is now boast of having the current Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), political appointees across federal agencies including Aso Villa emanating from the town.
The annual event was a week-long activities which encompass a thanksgiving ceremony, there homages were paid chiefs and people from different quarters such as Saya, Aro, Ekuasa, Oisa, Ekiri, Ejise Aladeselu, Asa, Oisangan, Elejoka, Salotun, Ilumoba, Elemoso, Obanla, Asae Okorokoro, members of ethnic groups, Igbo, Hausa, Ebira, Urhobo, Igala, Idoma amongst others.
