A crowd of excited townspeople, comprising the high and lowly, cream of the society and the dregs, crowded around governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Bauchi), ex-governor Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and member, House of Representatives, Ladi Adebutu, as they walked the streets of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, from the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanim Adejugbe, showcasing their new royal identity as high chiefs of the town.

They were honoured by the Ewi as Apesin Apokun Pote, Akinmuwagun, Akinjagunla and Ajirosola of Ado-Ekiti respectively. Fayose who flaunted the royal sceptre, handed to him by Oba Adejugbe, acknowledged cheers from the crowd who hailed him with shouts of ‘Oshokomole!, his political alias.

His title recognises him as the noble one from whom everyone draws meaningful existence. It also eulogizes his ability to quell tensions arising from dissenting voices in the polity.

Dankwambo’s honour is a title that celebrates good character and friendship ties he has with Fayose and the people of Ekiti. Aliy’s title celebrates his unflinching support and deep love for the people, while Adebutu’s own recognises his wealth and affluence and how he has impacted the people of the town.

The men were so honoured as part of this year’s celebration of the Udiroko festival, an event to showcase of rich cultural heritage of Ekiti land and in remembrance of its glorious history. Dankwambo’s wife who was conferred with the title of Yeye Akinmuagun of the kingdom.

The ceremony was witnessed by traditional rulers from Ekiti and Gombe states. Other and important dignitaries included former Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, a PDP chieftain, Chief Bode George, Aare Afe Babalola, (SAN) President and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Wole Olanipekun and former Minister of Health, Chief Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Fayose assured the royal fathers that he would not give Ekiti a governor that would disrespect them or treat them scornfully:

“Kabiyesi, let me say this, the governor that will come here to perform and respect all the monarchs in Ekiti will be presented by the PDP for 2018 poll. We know what you stand for and what you represent. You are so important to us and we will treat you with respect.

“We won’t give you a governor that will disrespect you or that won’t be able to perform or that will reverse all we have done for you. Ado-Ekiti deserves respect and the governor that will come after me will surely appreciate this and do what is expected for this town.

“Your supports accounted for why I won in 2003 and 2014. In fact, I can’t appreciate you enough and God will continue to bless this town and the good people of Ekiti State.”

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Oba Adejugbe said the honour was bestowed on these prominent Nigerians to appreciate them for their sterling performances as representatives of the people. He urged them to use the new titles to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity now and wherever they find themselves in the future.

At the grand finale of the Udiroko festival on Saturday, August 26, Fayose appreciated the 31,000 votes difference with which he won the governorship election in 2014 but said he wanted more from the people.

He noted that he got the people’s votes in 2014 as a candidate:  “Now that I’m a chief of Ado-Ekiti, I am seeking your support. Ado people will vote for your flyover, Ado people will vote for your modern market. Next Udiroko, I want to come here with the new Ekiti State governor to celebrate with you.

“All on-going projects in the state would be completed before the end of my tenure. I will hand over the market to the Ado-Ekiti people. The flyover would be completed by December. We will complet the high court complex and all the other projects.”

He said he had earned the support of the Ado Ekiti people and called for their continued support for his administration, and expressed appreciation that “the Ewi, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the other traditional rulers in the state for their roles in peace-keeping in the state and keeping Ekiti as one.”

Oba Adejugbe thanked Fayose for the various projects he had completed in the palace and the town: “We thank Governor Fayose for the numerous works in Ado Ekiti.”

The monarch said the Udiroko was significant to the people of Ado-Ekiti: “It marks the beginning of a new year for us and on the occasion we appreciate God and pray for a prosperous year.” He repeated his charge to the young to take to agriculture: “It is our natural occupation.”

Chairman at the occasion, Chief Babalola, said it was a “glorious day” for Ado-Ekiti people” and described the 2017 Udiroko as “the most successful in recent history.” He noted that Fayose and Babangida Aliyu had contributed to the development he said was being witnessed in the town.

He charged Fayose, whom he described as “young, humble, dynamic, sincere and prudent governor of Ekiti State” to continue with what he was doing and justified the chieftaincy title given to Fayose. He also thanked those he said made the creation of Ekiti State possible.