Ekiti State government has expressed its preparedness to address kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji who made the pledge yesterday said tackling the problems will bolster investment and ensure security of life and property, particularly along Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele.
He assured the communities in the axis that has become a flashpoint for such acts and other parts of Ekiti said the government would continue to be ruthless in the wars against criminals in the state.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke at Ipao Ekiti, Ikole local government area of the state when he presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin.
The kingmakers had on July 6, 2023, declared Prince Ehunmodupin of Adesogan Ruling House, as the Oba-elect, in compliance with section II of the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, 2012 and was approved by the Ekiti State Executive Council on October 4, 2023.
The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Joseph Aina, who joined his ancestors on 21st June, 2016.
The governor said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the support you gave my government to overcome insecurity here during the interregnum, when there was vacancy in your traditional stool and now that you have got a new Oba, I promise to sustain the tempo to make you and other Ekiti citizens secured wherever you are”.
Oyebanji urged other contestants and all the indigenes of Ipao Ekiti to support the new monarch to fast track development and as well coalesce actions with government to halt incidences of kidnapping and killings in the area.
He commended the royal fathers across the state for their contributions to maintenance of peace and stability in their domains, saying this has helped in checking unwarranted insurrection and upheavals that could derail developmental focus of the government.
