The Kwara State Government on Saturday presented staffs of office to two newly appointed monarchs: Oba Johnson Olajide Kehinde, the new Edemarun of Kajola Community in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, and Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, the new Elerin of Erin-Ile in Oyun Local Government.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Oba Azeez, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, along with Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Oba Kehinde was appointed as a fourth-class monarch, and his letter of appointment was presented by Abdullahi Bata, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development.
Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by Commissioner Bata, urged the monarchs to lead with sensitivity, empathy, equity, and the fear of God. He emphasized the importance of being attuned to the needs of their people.
During the oath of office ceremony for the new Edemarun of Kajola, Bata reiterated the current administration’s deep respect and reverence for traditional institutions.
He highlighted the crucial role of the monarchs’ wisdom and experience in maintaining peace and stability across the state.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing economic development, healthcare, and other social services, which will foster an environment of prosperity.
The Commissioner encouraged the newly installed monarchs to work closely with their communities, not only by leading but also by offering practical solutions to the challenges they face.
In his words, “As the Royal Father of Kajola from Oke-Ero Local Government, your role transcends beyond the boundaries of Kajola. You will be the representative of our collective heritage and culture. I have faith that you will serve as a beacon of hope and progress”.
In his acceptance speech, Edemarun expressed gratitude to the state government for appointing him and commended their non-interference in the selection process.
He pledged to lead his people toward greatness, assuring the state government of their unwavering support. He also vowed to govern with wisdom, promoting unity through justice, equity, and the fear of God.
In a separate event, Governor AbdulRazaq, while presenting the staff of office to the new Oba Jimoh, encouraged the first-class monarch to prioritise peace and the development of the ancient city.
Oba Adesoye ascended the throne following the passing of Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II (MFR) on 20 May 2023.
“As I present the First Class Staff of Office to Your Royal Highness, I urge you to be magnanimous and work for peace and development of your community and Kwara State as a whole,” the governor said in Ilorin at the ceremony that was attended by cabinet members, traditional rulers, and creme de la creme from Erin-Ile.
“I urge you to do to your subjects what great fathers do to their children and deploy unity in diversity to take the Erin-Ile Kingdom to the greatest height ever.”
The governor congratulated the new monarch on his ascension and prayed to God to admit the late Elerin to the ranks of His great servants.
“The race for the stool of the new Elerin is over now. God makes Kings, and Kings are to govern in the interest of their people, the Governor said, urging the people of Erin-Ile to rally around the new royal father.”
Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive development, emphasizing respect and support for traditional institutions, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. He called on all Kwarans to unite in pursuit of these shared goals.
In response, the Elerin expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq and the Erin-Ile community for their trust in his leadership. He vowed to prioritize peace and actively work towards improving the quality of life for the people of Erin-Ile.
“Our objective is to support the government in fostering a better quality of life for the people of Erin-Ile and Kwara State. In short, we will be Your Excellency’s partners in progress. We have a clear understanding of what this partnership and our contributions to good governance will entail,” he said.
