Iworoko Residents Demand New Monarch, Laud Oyebanji’s Developmental Efforts.

Iworoko Residents Demand New Monarch, Laud Oyebanji’s Developmental Efforts.

...As Prince Akinola-Farinde visits new market, seeks peace among royal families. 

Residents of Iworoko Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area have renewed calls for the installation of a substantive monarch, urging the Ekiti State Government, kingmakers, and other stakeholders to intervene and expedite the process.

The appeal came during a visit to the newly relocated Iworoko Market by one of the contestants for the Alaworoko stool, Prince Femi Akinola-Farinde. The market was recently moved by the state government to reduce frequent accidents at its former location.

The traders welcomed Prince Akinola-Farinde with songs and dance as he patronised various goods at the market, signalling his commitment to the community’s growth.

Speaking with journalists, the Iyalode of Iworoko, Chief Bosede Adebayo, and the Iyalaje, Chief Silifat Oyelade, lamented that the prolonged absence of a traditional ruler was hindering the town’s development. They appealed for ongoing litigations to be withdrawn in the interest of peace, unity, and progress.

Oguntunroti Emmanuel, the youth leader, praised Prince Akinola-Farinde’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of his dedication to the welfare of Iworoko Ekiti. He urged other stakeholders to emulate the prince’s example.

Prince Akinola-Farinde, who hails from the Oganyan Ruling House, explained that his visit was a cultural obligation to support his people during the market relocation. He blamed a particular family for obstructing the process of installing a new Alaworoko by rejecting a government committee’s recommendation that more than one family is eligible for the throne. According to him, it was unjust for a single family to dominate the kingship for decades while sidelining others.

The prince also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental initiatives across the state, urging residents to stay united and continue working towards peace and progress.

In a separate appeal, Prince Akinola-Farinde called on the state government, through Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye’s office, to listen to the people of Iworoko Ekiti and apply the same urgency used in filling other vacant Obas’ (Esun Ekiti and Oke-Ako Ekiti) stools to end the protracted leadership vacuum in Iworoko.

He further lauded Governor Oyebanji and his deputy for their giant strides in filling vacant traditional stools in the state.