Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly installed Alatorin of Atorin-Ijesa, Oba Omololu Ibitoye Afilaka, with a charge to the people of Atakunmosa East Local Government to shun violence and uphold the town’s ancient heritage of peace.
The governor, who spoke at the coronation ceremony through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Dosu Babatunde, stressed that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of rancour. He warned against acts capable of disrupting communal harmony, enjoining the indigenes to give the new monarch their total cooperation for the progress of the land.
“We are committed to a peaceful coexistence across the state. I appeal to the residents to sustain the peace for which they are known and work with the Kabiyesi to bring about the growth our society needs”, the governor stated.
Responding, Oba Afilaka expressed gratitude to the governor for the appointment, describing the Adeleke administration as “people-oriented.” The monarch noted that his emergence was the actualization of a long-standing dream, pledging to serve his people with dedication.
Meanwhile, the Egbe Atunluse Ile-Ijesa has hailed the appointment, describing it as a timely development for Ijesaland. In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Wole Ajewole, the sociocultural body urged the traditional ruler to join forces with other progressive monarchs to further the unity and development of the region.
“It is our hope that Kabiyesi will join hands with leaders of thought in Ijesaland to promote growth at this time when waves of development are happening across the land”, the statement added.
