The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has stated that if citizens display the spirits of unity, love, and patriotism, Nigeria can easily prevail over the menace of homicides, kidnappings, banditry, and other social evils ailing it.
“No challenge can overwhelm a nation, state or town, where the citizens consider unity, love and patriotism as a strength. I pray that God will help us to checkmate insecurity in Nigeria. We can also help ourselves by showing love and unity to be able to achieve this” Oba Ogunwusi declared.
Oba Ogunwusi spoke on Saturday at Ejiyan Ekiti, Ijero Council area of Ekiti State, through the Obalufe of Ile Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, at the first coronation anniversary of the Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adepoju.
The occasion witnessed conferment of chieftaincy and honourary titles on eminent Nigerians and fundraising for the construction of ultra modern Obalaaye Palace.
He also appealed to the people to sustain their cooperation with their monarch “to propel development in Ejiyan”.
The Obalaaye, Oba Adepoju, who appreciated Governor Kayode Fayemi for granting the town autonomy from the old Ipoti Ekiti, which he said had served as impetus for rapid development in the town, assured that the town would partner with his government to fasttrack development in the community and as well cohabit peacefully with other towns to entrench peace in the axis.
The traditional ruler stated that the community had been assisting the government in areas such as “renovation of our market, provision of uniforms for indigent students of Ejiyan Community Primary School, renovation of our old palace, provision of electricity, extension of network of feeder roads, and completion of a hospital complex here in Ejiyan” with the help of his people.
He did, however, request that Fayemi tar Ejiyan-Odo Owa, Ejiyan-Isanlu, and Ejiyan-Iloro roads in order to expedite development and open up the community to socioeconomic success.
The Chairman of the Coronation Anniversary Committee, Olakunle Olajide, stated that the town wanted to go further in realizing the ambitions of its founding fathers, and he thanked those whose contributions have aided in the realization of the developmental projects prioritized by the indigenes.