The new Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde, on Monday received his instrument of appointment and staff of office from Governor Kayode Fayemi.
While calling for concerted efforts to battle COVID-19 to a standstill, Fayemi handed the new monarch his staff of office at a brief ceremony.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Fayemi commended traditional rulers for their cooperation and understanding on the fight against COVID-19 demanding more support to defeat the pandemic in the state.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the appointment of Oba Olatunde was approved by the State Executive Council at its virtual meeting on June 11.
Oba Olatunde, who is a former Commissioner for Works in the state, succeeds the last Onimesi, the late Oba Dare Adeyeye Oladimeji, who died on December 22, 2018.
Some of the supporters and well-wishers of the new monarch stayed outside the Governor’s Office complex throughout the event to ensure that not more than twenty persons were inside the hall.
Fayemi who also showered encomiums on monarchs in the state for the sustenance of peace and stability in their domains, stressing that all hands must be on deck to prevent COVID-19 from having adverse effects on the local economy.
He said: “I particularly appreciate you all for the cooperation and understanding with the government in our fight against the spread of the dreaded virus known as COVID-19.
“We are still seeking more support from all and sundry to triumph over the virus and prevent it from collapsing our socio-economic activities in totality.”
The Governor who congratulated the royal father for ascending the throne urged him to work harmoniously with his subjects to accelerate the development of the community.
Fayemi who admonished the monarch to carry his people along when making decisions that will affect their welfare also called on him to be a father of all.
The Chairman, Gbonyin Local Government, Mr. Ayodele Fadumiye, explained that Oba Olatunde was unanimously selected by kingmakers adding that the process was transparent.
The council boss said the ascension to the throne has placed a daunting challenge on Oba Olatunde to ensure the realisation of the hope and aspirations of his people.
Speaking after receiving the staff, Oba Olatunde praised Fayemi for upgrading the throne of the Onimesi to first-class status and appointing indigenes of the town to key positions in government.
He promised to bring his experience, exposure, knowledge and wisdom to bear in administering the town and make it a model in Ekiti State.
Oba Olatunde called on the princes who contested the throne with him to join him in the process of taking the town to greater heights noting that the peaceful selection process would assist in the task.
The traditional rulers further pledged to utilise the vast population of Imesi indigenes in Diaspora to be part of its development promising to do this through data gathering and launch of an active website.
