“Five years ago, I accepted the call to serve not in title alone, but in action and sacrifice. Today is not merely a celebration of time passed, but a reflection of how far we have come together”
By John Odunayo
Today, Imesi Ekiti in the Ayekire Local Government area of Ekiti State, is no longer what it used to be five years ago when the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, ascended the sacred throne of his forefathers.
Within five years under Oba Olatunde, the community has grown in leaps and bounds, hence the monarch has cause to celebrate.
As such, Oba Olatunde rolled out the drums to celebrate his five years in office in a weeklong celebration.
The monarch, who said the community would not rest on its oars, charged the community, “As we look to the future, let us continue to preserve our values, deepen our unity, and work with one heart to lift Imesi Ekiti to greater heights. The journey continues and with faith and unity”.
Speaking during the grande finale of the celebrations at the Palace of the Onimesi on June 12, 2025, the traditional ruler told the gathering comprising of dignitaries from near and far and natives that “By the grace of God and with your collective support, we have recorded significant progress in our dear town”.
Oba Olatunde said, “Five years ago, I accepted the call to serve not in title alone, but in action and sacrifice. Today is not merely a celebration of time passed, but a reflection of how far we have come together.
The monarch said that the successes recorded under him as traditional ruler cut across all spheres from education to electricity to road to building infrastructures and peace and justice.
He said, “Electricity has returned to our homes, reactivated through the intervention of the Ekiti State Government. Our long-neglected federal road now wears a new face, with two sturdy bridges standing as symbols of renewed connectivity.
“Our community health facility has been transformed through the love of our people abroad, especially my dear sister, Mrs Tayo Ajayi, supported by the Suite Government and the World Bank.Our only secondary school has received attention: perimeter fencing and major structural improvements by the Ekiti State Government.
“The royal palace has undergone extensive reconstruction, now a befitting seat of our culture and identity. The Imesi Cultural Troupe has emerged as a beacon of cultural pride and entertainment across the region. Security has been enhanced with the establishment of a 34-man volunteer corps, complementing the efforts of state agencies.
“Disputes are now resolved with fairness and dignity through our palace courts and the newly established branch of the Ekiti Customary Court. A modern police station, nearing completion, stands as a joint legacy of Sir Mike Okiro and Ayekire Local Government.
“These are not the achievements of one man, but of a united people committed to progress. I thank every son and daughter of Imesi Ekiti for your prayers, loyalty, and hard work,” Oba Olatunde said.
The monarch appreciated some traditional chiefs and individuals for their unrelenting effort which had supported smooth operations in the palace for the past five years.
They included Chairman Revenue Committee and Emilla, Oke-Ode, High Chief Solomon Adegite; Chairman Imesi Development Association and Chairman Budget and Finance, High Chief Nathaniel Dahunsi; Chairman Coronation Anniversary and Free Legal Consultancy Services on Community Matters, Commission Matters, High Chief Barr. Dele Falana.
Others are Infrastructure Development especially the customary court, High Chief Odofin Idogun; Chief Onisesi Babatunde Kamali; the Egbedi, Chief Moses Adegite; the Onisesi, Chief Babatunde Kamali; the Bobagunwa, Chief Oloyede Lawrence and Chief Mrs Atayese, Eyeloja, Eyelara, etc.
