The Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area of the state, Oba Sunday Aniyi, has advocated a review of chieftaincy law and a declaration to end incessant litigations after the selection and appointment of traditional rulers in the state.
The monarch, who described Ekiti as most rancorous in obaship selection tussle in the South-West, hence the need for action, also called for urgent reformation of the local government system to enable traditional rulers play more active roles in the administration of the council areas.
Oba Aniyi, who was pronounced traditional ruler on August 2021, spoke on Saturday during his coronation ceremony which featured the launch of N400 million fund for the establishment of the Amoyinmade Centre for Women and Youth Development and conferment of honuorary chieftaincy title of Yeye Oba of Erinmope Ekiti on the state governor’s wife, Bisi Fayemi.
He said, “There is hardly any Oba that doesn’t get challenged in court, no matter how transparent the selection process might be. A law needs to be promulgated in Ekiti State that will put an end to the act of obtaining frivolous restraining injunction meant to stampede selection process or coronation ceremony.
“Just as nobody can stop the Independent National Electoral Commission from conducting an election or the swearing in of a governor or President, nobody should be able to stop the coronation ceremony of an Oba after being validly appointed by the state government,” he said.
Aniyi also charged the state government to come to his community’s aid through reigniting development programmes like roads, water facility and schools that would propel business activities as witnessed over two decades ago in the town.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who congratulated the traditional ruler for ascending the throne of his forefathers, urged him to galvanise the support of the people towards the community’s socio-economic development.
Ogunwusi also called on well-meaning citizens to help their communities to drive development and desist from leaving everything to government, adding, “You must contribute to charity so that the poor people around you can feel your impact.”
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; the state governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji; and wife of the Osun State Governor, Kafayat Oyetola.
