On Tuesday, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State presented the staff of office to two new traditional rulers, appealing to them to rally their subjects for the development of their communities.

Mr Fayemi, who was represented by his Deputy, Bisi Egbeyemi, presented the symbols in Ado-Ekiti.

The traditional rulers are the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi and the Alaaye of Aaye-Ekiti, Oba Ojo Idowu.

The throne of the Ologotun became vacant on January 29, following the demise of the late Oba Samuel Oyebade.

The throne of the Alaaye was vacant on August 30, 2021, following the transition of the late Oba Theophilus Ogunbiyi.

Two ceremonies were held to give the two new royal fathers symbols of authority and official recognition as Obas.

Mr Fayemi expressed satisfaction that the processes which produced them as traditional rulers were devoid of manipulation and unethical practices.

He said the state government was aware of royal fathers’ vital roles as agents of grassroots development in their different domains.

In his acceptance speech, the new Ologotun, Oba Adesanmi, said he accepted the staff of office “with exceeding joy and gratitude.”

Mr Adesanmi pledged to always work in synergy with relevant stakeholders in ensuring the peace, stability, growth and development of Ogotun-Ekiti, in particular, and Ekiti State in general.

The Alaaye, Oba Idowu, hailed Mr Fayemi for allowing a transparent selection process, describing him as a man of integrity who greatly impacted the lives of the people of Ekiti State.

(NAN)