By John Odunayo
The thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, was a celebration of the the grace of God.
Traditional rulers, government officials, Ido Ekiti indigenes, friends, families and well wishers of the monarch were in attendance in their numbers at the St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Ido Ekiti, for the thanksgiving service.
The roll call included the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; members of the State Executive Council, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe and traditional rulers from different parts of the state.
Governor Oyebanji, who congratulated the monarch in the occasion, paid glowing tributes to hum as he lauded Oba Ilori-Faboro’s immense contributions to the development of Ido-Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole.
Highlighting Oba Ilori- Faboro’s ability to foster harmonious relationships between his subjects, and neighbouring communities, the governor said his leadership had helped in strengthening the bond between the traditional institution and the state government, thereby driving progress in the state.
“Kabiyesi, today is a special day, 70 years in Nigeria is a big deal, in a country where expectancy age is between 45 and 55 years, so to be 70 years in Nigeria, we have every cause to thank God and taking into consideration your own trajectory in life. On behalf of the Government of Ekiti State, let me say thank you for your support for our government.
“To our royal fathers, I say congratulations and I thank you for your support for our administration. When I walked in and saw our royal fathers dressed like this, I was happy. I will just plead that our fathers should use the occasion of this 70th birthday to come together so that Ekiti State can develop.
“I know that if we are united, we can recreate Ekiti parapo, not to fight any war, but to develop Ekiti State and history has it that when Obas are united in one accord, there is no mountain that will be too difficult for us to surmount,” Oyebanji said.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, assured the governor that the monarchs in Ekiti remain united and committed to the development and progress of the state.
The Ewi stressed that they have always played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability across their domains and will continue to support government’s vision for a united and prosperous Ekiti.
Oba Adejugbe, while highlighting the long standing cooperation between the traditional council and the state government, noted that the monarchs have always prioritized the well-being of the citizens in the state.
In his own response, Oba Ilori- Faboro, expressed gratitude to the governor and people of Ekiti State for their support.
The Olojudo and state traditional Council Chair reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth and stability of his community and the state at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop, Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Olusola Ajayi; urged Oba Ilori- Faboro to see the attainment of the age of 70 as a blessing from God, adding that living up to that the age has conferred on him the grace and opportunity to review his life and change certain things.
