Gov AbdulRazaq presents staff of office to new Elerin, Oba Adesoye
…urges continuous growth, peaceful coexistence in Erin-Ile
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
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 the peace and development of the ancient city.
Oba Adesoye ascended the throne following the passing of Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II (MFR) on May 20, 2023.
“As I present the First Class Staff of Office to Your Royal Highness, I urge you to be magnanimous and work for the peace and development of your community and Kwara State as a whole,” Governor AbdulRazaq said in Ilorin at the ceremony, which was attended by cabinet members, traditional rulers, and the crème de la crème from Erin-Ile.
“I urge you to treat your subjects as great fathers treat their children and to foster unity in diversity to elevate Erin-Ile Kingdom to its greatest heights.”
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 now over. 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 their new royal father.
AbdulRazaq reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, respect and support for royal stools, and peaceful coexistence, calling on all Kwarans to support these efforts.
Royal fathers in attendance included the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi; the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Sheu Muazu; the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Atobatele Oloyede; the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammed Kawu; the Onira of Ira, Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro; and the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Usman Jos, among others.
Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, praised the Erin-Ile kingmakers and the entire indigenes for their maturity and commitment to peace throughout the selection period.
“This occasion further demonstrates the administration’s respect for the traditional institution. Your cooperation and suggestions toward implementing various well-articulated policies and programs of the government will always be welcomed, confirming the confidence reposed in you,” he said.
The Elerin thanked Governor AbdulRazaq and the entire Erin-Ile community for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to promote peace and work toward improving the quality of life for the people.
“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.
