Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, on Monday, presented the staff of office to Oba Festus Olatunde as the new Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti in Gbonyin council area of the state.
Fayemi, who was represented by Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi, performed the presentation in line with COVID-19 protocols, with few people in attendance and strict observance of physical distancing.
Olatunde, a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in the state, succeeds the late Oba Adeyeye Oladimeji, who died on December 22, 2018.
The appointment of the new monarch was approved by the State Executive Council at its virtual meeting on June 11, after satisfying all requirements stipulated by the state’s Chiefs Law, 2012.
The governor said that the process for filling the hitherto vacant stool commenced with the letter of approval from the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs through Gbonyin Local Government council.
He said that the warrant chiefs had on May 20 in line with the provisions of Section 8A(i), Cap C5 of the state Chiefs Law, 2012, declared Olatunde as the new Onimesi.
Fayemi also implored the new monarch to carry his people along when taking decisions that would affect their welfare.
“It gladdens my heart that the struggle to occupy the exalted stool of the Onimesi did not degenerate into any uncontrollable controversy.
“A tree can never make a forest. There is the need for collective responsibility, if we all desire to have a society of our dreams.
“I appeal to you, the good people of Imesi-Ekiti to allow the spirit of oneness and sincerity of purpose in your support and cooperation with the Kabiyesi,” he said.
