Amosun presents Onimeko with staff, instrument of office

Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

Imeko community in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun state, southwest, Nigeria was on Wednesday agog as Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state presented the staff and instrument of office to the Onimeko-elect, Oba Benjamin Olanite Oyekan (Akanku IV).

The Oba-elect has become a substantive monarch of the town, making him the sixteenth Onimeko of Imeko.

The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Barr.Taiwo Adeoluwa, stated that the selection and election of the monarch by the kingmakers was devoid of rancour.

The stool of Onimeko became vacant following the demise of Oba Reuben Alabi Adebayo, who joined his ancestors on 6 December 2013.

Commending the kingmakers and natives for comporting themselves in a lawful manner, Amosun said, “it is indeed commendable that the vacancy was filled devoid of rancour. I equally want to commend the entire people of Imeko for their peaceful disposition in ensuring that law and order were perfectly maintained during the interregnum”.

Presenting the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch, who had been elected since 25 August, 2014, the governor declared that “Kabiyesi, by your appointment, you have become a first class Oba, a member of Yewa Traditional Council and a permanent member of Ogun State Council of Obas.

“It is my hope that you will join hands with other members to contribute effectively to discussion on promotion of the culture and welfare of the people of Yewaland, in particular and Ogun state in general.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Oyekan said, “I promise to discharge my expected responsibilities constitutionally and with God’s guidance. I pledge most solemnly and sincerely that truth, courage, faithfulness, justice, fairness and mercy will guide my stay in office because I am a servant to all my people,” the new monarch stated.

The new monarch, who was born on 3 March 1977, appreciated Governor Amosun-led administration for various infrastructural facilities he provided across the state within a short period of time.

He, however, charged all sons and daughters of the town to contribute their quota to the development of the ancient border town which harbour the National headquarters of the Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide.