The Ekiti State Government has commended traditional rulers for their partnership, which has culminated in improved security, political stability and widespread peace being enjoyed by residents across the 16 local government areas of the state.
The government assured that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration would continue to accord royal fathers the utmost respect and refrain from any action that could degrade or undermine the sanctity and relevance of the traditional institution.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the commendation in Emure Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area, on Saturday during the first coronation anniversary of the Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ajiboye.
Oba Ajiboye, a retired senior Customs officer, was installed in 2025 following the vacancy created by the demise of his predecessor, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo.
Overwhelmed by the torrents of commendations being showered on the traditional ruler, Mrs Afuye said the sustained collaboration between the government and the community had helped halt the occasional cases of kidnapping and killings previously witnessed in the town.
Mrs Afuye, who appreciated the people of Emure, particularly the chiefs and other eminent personalities, for standing firmly behind the monarch, urged them to remain vigilant and security-conscious, noting that the community shares boundaries with Supare Akoko and Emure-Ile in Ondo State.
The state's number two citizen said the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration would continue to accord traditional rulers the respect they deserve and involve them in the core of government where critical decisions that promote security and development are taken.
Specifically, Mrs Afuye praised the monarch for ushering in a new era of unity and peace in Emure Ekiti, saying he had demonstrated fairness to all indigenes through his leadership, thereby promoting the spirit of oneness.
"You can all bear witness to the fact that the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration considers our royal fathers as dependable partners in the task of delivering good governance.
"This explains why this administration has allowed kingmakers and ruling houses to take full responsibility for the selection of traditional rulers in communities where vacancies exist, without undue interference.
"Since the inception of this administration, every process leading to the installation of any royal father has strictly followed due process. I can confidently say that there has been no case of imposition against our government, and we promise to continue in this honourable manner.
"I want to once again appreciate Kabiyesi for the remarkable achievements recorded in Emure Ekiti over the past 12 months. Within this short period, we have witnessed peace and stability in this town, and we are delighted about this. Before Kabiyesi ascended the throne, the town experienced occasional cases of kidnapping because it is a border community with Ondo State along the Supare Akoko and Emure-Ile axis.
"But I am happy that this government, in collaboration with the security agencies and the Elemure-in-Council, has been able to nip this disturbing trend in the bud. We appeal to all indigenes to remain security-conscious and vigilant so that the gains we have recorded in safeguarding lives and property will be sustained."
Assessing the last one year in Emure Ekiti, Mrs Afuye said:
"Our Royal Majesty, I thank God that the last one year has been memorable. It has been a season of unity and peace. I urge you to continue carrying your people along in all your decisions and actions.
"Continue to be fair to everyone. This remains the best way to build an enduring legacy that will outlive you and make your reign memorable. In the same vein, I thank all the chiefs and well-meaning indigenes of Emure Ekiti for standing firmly behind our Royal Majesty. May the Good Lord continue to guide you all aright."
In his response, Oba Ajiboye applauded Governor Oyebanji and the security agencies for strengthening security in the Emure axis and restoring peace and order, saying this had enabled him to record remarkable developmental achievements within just 12 months.
The monarch also commended members of his council and Emure indigenes across the world for fostering a strong spirit of unity that had enabled him to provide effective leadership without rancour. He appealed to them to sustain the tempo in the overall interest of the town.
Looking ahead, Oba Ajiboye promised to be fair to all indigenes regardless of their political affiliations or religious beliefs, pledging that building a town that would continue to prosper in all spheres would remain his foremost priority.
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