The Ekiti State Government has resolved the disagreement among traditional rulers in Moba Local Government over the sharing formula of the 5 per cent allocation to the traditional institution in the council area.
The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who mediated and supervised the compromise reached among the 13 traditional rulers, urged them to see themselves as brothers and work in unity to foster development in their domains.
In the course of negotiations, the Deputy Governor helped the monarchs arrive at an acceptable adjustment after the parties had submitted their proposals for an acceptable sharing formula.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, the Deputy Governor put all the appropriate authorities on notice to begin the implementation of the approved new sharing formula
He directed that the Moba traditional council bank account be unblocked without delay for the monarchs to be paid for them to perform their official duties and run their palaces seamlessly.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo had kicked against the reduction of the percentage allocated to his palace by the 12 other monarchs after his predecessor, Oba Adedapo Popoola joined his ancestors.
The 12 monarchs led by the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, Oba Sunday Adewumi, also disputed the claim of the Oore to being the paramount ruler in Moba land which they described as an attempt to subjugate their communities.
While the Deputy Governor maintained that the Oore is the permanent chairman of Moba Traditional Council, he stressed that his domain only covers Otun Ekiti and not extended to other towns in the local government hence the need to officially adopt the title of “the Oore of Otun Ekiti” to allow peace to reign.
The Deputy Governor, who called for mutual respect among the monarchs, said the spirit of give-and-take they exhibited which resulted in the resolution of the impasse would go a long way in ensuring peace in the traditional council.
He said: “We have taken the pains to shift grounds and allow you to come with proposals for us to reach a middle ground and arrive at a conclusion acceptable to all.
“We want peace to reign among our royal fathers, we don’t want any crisis and we need to do this for you to run your palaces without any hindrance to continue your good works in the grassroots.”
Egbeyemi also used the forum to caution Obas against removal or suspension of chiefs under them without carrying the state government along maintaining that due process must be followed before such an exercise is carried out.
According to him, any erring chief should first be issued query and given an opportunity to defend himself with the state government put on notice before any punitive action is taken.
He explained that the state government is always after peace, stability and positive development in all communities in the state which could only be made possible when there is harmony among Obas and their chiefs.
Responding, the Oore, Oba Adeagbo, appreciated the Deputy Governor for his patience, wisdom and intervention which he said has restored harmony among Moba monarchs.
He called on his brother monarchs to always join him in moving the local government area forward saying the resolution of the rift has signalled a new dawn in their relationship.
The Onigogo, Oba Adewumi, who also hailed the Deputy Governor for his mediation efforts promised the readiness of the monarchs to abide by the decisions reached saying “all the Obas are symbols of authority irrespective of their grades and should be treated as such.”
