“This is a laudable project coming from the traditional chieftaincy holders’ association and I must commend you for this. I call on members to be committed to the completion of the secretariat building”
By John Odunayo
It was atmosphere of joy and excitement on Saturday as the foundation stone of the secretariat building of the Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders was laid.
The sod of the building tagged Ule Ujoye Ekiti was laid by the frontline traditional ruler and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The traditional chiefs comprising male and female, who were colourfully dressed with a uniform cap and headgear, came in their numbers from across the 16 local government areas of the state to witness the epoch-making event along Ado – Ikere Road.
Members of the Ekiti State Cultural Troupe were at hand to treat the chiefs and their guests to entertainment.
Oba Ogunwusi, who was represented on the occasion by the Agbole of Agbaje Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale, laid the foundation stone amidst cheers by the traditional chieftaincy title holders.
The Ooni, who said traditional chiefs played vital roles in the palaces and communities, urged the chieftaincy holders to be united and support their traditional rulers for peace and development in their communities and state.
The monarch assured of his financial gesture towards the completion of the building.
Oba Ogunwusi said, “This is a laudable project coming from the traditional chieftaincy holders’ association and I must commend you for this. I call on members to be committed to the completion of the secretariat building.
The Ooni, who said that the N500m building project when completed would be the first for traditional chiefs in the South West, appealed to individuals and governments in the state to support the association in having a befitting office in the state.
He said, “The roles of traditional chiefs in the palaces and communities cannot be overemphasized. I hereby urge you (traditional chiefs) to be united and support your traditional rulers in attaining peace and development in the state”.
The Chairman of the association and Asolo of Ikole Ekiti, Chief Oluwole Ogunsakin, said that the building project was conceived to ensure conducive environment for members.
Ogunsakin said that the complex, when completed, would have series of edifice including event centres, offices, among others.
He said that the over 3,000 members of the association across the 16 local government areas of the state are committed to the peace and development in their communities and the state.
Ogunsakin said, “The association has been in existence for over 30 years and we have not been privileged to have our own building. Our association comprises male and female chiefs. It’s not a pressure institution and we work together with our Kabiyesis for the advancement of the state.
“It is an organ for maintenance of culture, tradition, peace, unity, progress and collective advancement of Ekiti State and should not be relegated. We are trusting our leaders and well-wishers in the completion of this laudable project, which part form office building. It will serve as revenue generation for the association with the event center and other components.
Ogunsakin, on the occasion, led the association on reaffirmation of its endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second term in view of the governor’s commitment to the state’s development.
He lauded Oyebanji for his life-impacting projects and programmes in the last two and half years.
Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, said that the project would enhance unity among traditional chiefs.
Aribasoye, represented by a lawmaker, Lateef Akanle, said that Oyebanji’s administration had utmost respect for the traditional institutions and would do everything possible to ensure they are well respected and valued.
