Governor-elect Biodun Oyebanji says his administration will give adequate recognition and respect to traditional rulers in Ekiti.

Mr Oyebanji made the pledge when he led some Ekiti leaders of the APC on a thank-you visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, in his palace in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the visit was to express appreciation to the Ewi and other traditional rulers for their support and the fatherly role they played prior to the election, especially in averting crises.

Mr Oyebanji described Mr Adejugbe as “a father who has always shown interest in his career trajectory since their first meeting in the 1990s” during the agitation for creation of Ekiti.

“The traditional institution is an important stakeholder in Ekiti that should not be toyed with by anybody. The institution would be strengthened under me,” stated the governor-elect.

Mr Oyebanji also mentioned that the visit was to appreciate the ruler for his support for him over the years.

“At a time when most elders would have dismissed a young man like me, Oba Adejugbe embraced me with both hands and gave me an opportunity to fly,” he added. “That singular opportunity equipped me very well and prepared me for the other roles I played in Ekiti.”

The governor-elect added, “Also, I want to use our father as a contact point to other traditional rulers for their stabilising roles during the campaign to make sure the election was conducted without any crises in our dear state.”

Mr Oyebanji assured Mr Adejugbe, the Ewi-in-Council and the market women of good governance that would transform Ekiti.

“I appreciate all for trusting me with their votes on Saturday and I stand here today, assuring Ekiti people that I will not disappoint them,” noted the governor-elect. “I will sustain the legacies of my predecessors, as well as build on them, to bring further development to our dear state.”

(NAN)