Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday presented the staff of office to the new Elerin of Erin-Ile in Oyun local government Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh, urging the First Class monarch to work for peace and development of the ancient city.
Oba Adesoye ascended the throne following the passing of Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II (MFR) on 20th May 2023.
“As I present the First Class Staff of Office to Your Royal Highness, I urge you to be magnanimous and work for peace and development of your community and Kwara State as a whole,” Governor Abdulrazaq said in Ilorin at the ceremony that was attended by cabinet members, traditional rulers, and creme de la creme from Erin-Ile.
“I urge you to do to your subjects what great fathers do to their children and deploy unity in diversity to take Erin-Ile Kingdom to the greatest height ever.”
The Governor congratulated the new monarch on his ascension and prayed to God to admit the late Elerin to the ranks of His great servants.
The race for the stool of the new Elerin is over now. God makes Kings, and Kings are to govern in the interest of their people, the Governor said, urging the people of Erin-Ile to rally around the new royal father.
AbdulRazaq said the government remains committed to inclusive development, respect and support for royal stools, and peaceful coexistence, seeking the support of every Kwaran in that regard.
The royal fathers in attendance were the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi; Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Sheu Muazu; Olusin of Isanlu Isin Oba Solomon Atobatele Oloyede; Emir of Lafiagi Muhammed Kawu; Onira of Ira Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro; and Balogun Alanamu Ilorin Dr Abubakar Usman Jos; among others.
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftain Affairs and Community Development Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, for his part, praised the Erin-Ile kingmakers and the entire indigenes for their maturity and commitment to peace throughout the selection period.
“This occasion further demonstrated the administration’s respect for the traditional institution. Your cooperation and suggestions towards implementing various well-articulated policies and programmes of the government will always be welcomed to confirm the confidence reposed in you”, he said.
The Elerin thanked Governor AbdulRazaq and the entire people of Erin-Ile community for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to promote peace and work for quality of life for the people of the community.
“Our objective is to support the government in fostering a better quality of life for the people of Erin-Ile and Kwara State. In short, we will be Your Excellency’s partners in progress. We have a clear understanding of what this partnership and our contributions to good governance will entail,” he said.
