Oyebanji Installs Oba Agbaje-Gorite As New Eesalokun

EKiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday installed Oba Gbenga Adebowale Agbaje-Gorite as the new Eesalokun of Ilukuno Ekiti, Ijero local government area of the state after 450 years of depravation from their ruling house.

Oba Agbaje-Gorite, who hails from Aulodobiosupa Royal Dynasty, with the last reign of the ruling house dated back to over 450 years, succeeded Oba Adebayo Jegede from Okeoro Ruling House, who died on November 14, 2024.

At the event, the governor who said there will be no bending nor manipulating the laws in the selection of any traditional ruler, assured that all the monarchs that will be installed will undertake all the traditional, cultural and legal crucibles to entrench respect for the traditional institution and foster peace across all the towns.

At the ceremony held at Ilukuno Ekiti, Oyebanji, who was represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said he won’t manipulate rules to suit convenience in any matter that has close affinity with tradition.

He said his administration has demonstrated respect for the traditional institution since inception, by retraining from undue imposition and arm- twisting of kingmakers in selection of Obas, assuring that the trend will continue to preserve the sanctity of royalty.

While congratulating the community on the epoch-making event and the battles won to accomplish the success, the governor posited that the installation of Oba Agbaje-Gorite was not an accident of time, but a product of unwavering faithfulness to tradition.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that for over four centuries, the Aulodobiosupa Ruling House waited for its rightful turn, saying that wait could have ended in bitterness or crisis, but ended in this remarkable success the town is celebrating.

Stating the enormity of respect his government has for the traditional rulers, Oyebanji stated that he won’t rewrite history to suit convenience, nor manipulate chieftaincy declarations under pressure to impose any monarch for partisan and other primordial reasons.

“Your Royal Highness, as you assume this exalted role, it is important to note that this office is not only a position of honour but also of responsibility. The people will look up to you for guidance, peace, justice and unity.

“The government also expects your partnership in the collective effort to maintain order, promote cultural heritage, and support the development of our state. Kabiyesi, Let it be clearly stated that there are no winners and no losers. You are to please extend a hand of fellowship to your co-contestants to move Ilukuno Ekiti to a greater height.

“I say a big congratulations to you Kabiyesi, Oba Agbaje Gbenga the Eesalokun of Ilukuno – Ekiti. I also commend the good people of Ilukuno Ekiti for their cooperation, patience, and commitment to peace throughout this process,” he said.

In his remarks, the commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, said Oba Agbaje-Gorite  became a candidate, following a stiff selection procedure undertook by the kingmakers, in sync with the customs, tradition and culture of Ilukuno Ekiti.

Atibioke added that the installation was in alignment with   the Ekiti State Chiefs Law and the process was competitive, transparent and orderly, saying the monarch was given a clean bill out of the three contenders that indicated interest.