Some traditional rulers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land, have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, assuring him of total support.
MOBEL, led by its Chairman and the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Afolabi Ajibola, gave the assurance on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a visit to the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye.
Oba Ajibola said that the traditional rulers predicated their support on the level of peace, development, stability, and mutual respect being accorded to the Ekiti people, including all the traditional rulers, by the governor.
He said that these have endeared the government to the populace and critical stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Onikun of Ikun Amure Ekiti, Oba David Olatunde, promised that MOBEL, comprising grades A, B, and C traditional rulers, would coalesce actions with the government to ensure peace and stability in their domains.
Oba Olatunde said what MOBEL stands for is progress, unity, and love among Ekiti residents, promising that these shall be fostered in the interest of the citizens.
The traditional ruler sought an amendment to the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, which he described as obsolete and outdated.
He urged the government to look inwards and fashion our ways to reignite the respect being accorded traditional rulers in the past, by fostering mutual respect in the traditional scheme.
In her response, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, noted that the governor appreciated the enormity of burdens and statutory duties being discharged by the traditional rulers.
Afuye frowned at the rising conflict between some traditional rulers and their chiefs, saying the government would not tolerate any form of disrespect against the traditional rulers.
“What we stand for as a government is respect for traditional rulers. The governor has always been emphasizing this, and on that, we stand. Respect is reciprocal.
“Don’t remove your chiefs without the government knowing about it. As long as you are on the side of the law, no Chief can disrespect you,” she said.
She said that the government would prioritise the welfare of the traditional rulers and put mechanisms in place to stop any disrespect that could emanate from any of their chiefs and subjects.
