By Oludamisi Ojo.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has observed that the country would only overcome the spate of killings, Kidnappings , banditry and other social evils, if citizens can demonstrate the spirits of unity, love and patriotism.
The frontline monarch spoke in Ejiyan Ekiti, Ijero Local government area of Ekiti State, on Saturday, at a programme organised to mark the one year coronation anniversary of Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adepoju.
The ceremony also witnessed conferment of chieftaincy and honourary titles on eminent Nigerians, as well as as the launching for the construction of ultra modern palace for Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti.
Oba Ogunwusi, represented by the Obalufe of Ile Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, said no challenge can overwhelm a nation, state or town , where the citizens consider unity, love and patriotism as a strength.
Oba Ogunwusi appealed to Ejiyan community to cooperate with the monarch to ginger development in Ejiyan.
He said ” Our monarchs have been in charge of politics maintaining stability and unity before European introduced their own style of democracy, which we embraced.
“The spirit I am seeing today is a good example of how to develop a town. I saw that love has taken charge in this town, Ekiti and Nigeria. Though, as peaceful as we are in Ekiti, we have our challenges. I pray that God will help us to checkmate insecurity in Nigeria. W
“What we want to continue in this town, Ekiti and Nigeria is love, patriotism and unity. God created the universe with love. He created man in His own image. What love could have been more than this? With love , all the projects initiated in this town will be completed before the end of the year”.
Addressing the community and eminent guests at the event, the Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti, Oba Adepoju, appreciated Governor Kayode Fayemi for granting the town autonomy from the old Ipoti Ekiti,.
He said this had served as impetus for rapid development in the town.
Oba Adepoju assured Fayemi that the town would partner with his government to guarantee development in the community.
The monarch also promised to live peacefully with other sister towns to entrench peace in the axis,stressing that government cannot do it alone.
He said”There are areas where we have employed instrumentality of the support of our people to make a difference including 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 an hospital complex here in Ejiyan”.
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Oba Adepoju urged Governor Fayemi to tar Ejiyan-Odo Owa, Ejiyan-Isanlu and and Ejiyan-Iloro roads to expose the area to modernity for development.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejumo, also at the occasion said
Ejiyan is fast developing due to love being exhibited by indigenes,urging them to continue in that spirit.
The Chairman of the Coronation Anniversary, Dr. Olakunle Olajide said the town is going higher in achieving the dreams of its founding fathers.
