There is no reason to remove any Oba in Ekiti State contrary to reports circulating on social media, the state governor, Kayode Fayemi has assured.
It would be recalled that an online news site had reported on Wednesday the plans by the state government to remove 11 pelupelu obas.
But in a swift reaction on Thursday, the state government said the letter from the Ekiti State Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs to the kings “is merely an administrative matter which is neither contentious nor confrontational”.
Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the governor told gatekeeper news that “The Bureau briefed the Governor, on the prolonged absence of some members of the State’s Traditional Council meetings as well as traditional council meetings at the local government level. Mr Governor directed that the Bureau should write the affected traditional rulers to find out reasons for their absence”.
“The Honourable Attorney General wrote to the Bureau on Mr Governor’s directives. Consequently, the Bureau (through a senior official) wrote to the affected traditional rulers seeking for reasons for their prolonged absence at council meetings. The formal nature of the letter is what is being misconstrued to be a query”.
“Contrary to insinuations, this is merely an administrative matter which is neither contentious nor confrontational. It is definitely not a ploy or plan to remove any Oba from office. As public officers, our traditional rulers act as the direct link between government and their domains; they have expected duties and functions, and as an administrative head, Mr Governor should be aware of reasons why such duties are not being carried out”.
Oyebode said “It is on record that some of the Obas had earlier written Mr Governor to give legitimate reasons for their absence which have been accepted. The letter in focus was written to only about 11 Obas whose absence could not be explained and not to the 16 Pelupelu as erroneously reported”.
He maintained that ” in Ekiti State, our traditional rulers are well respected and revered as custodians of our culture and traditions. The Fayemi Administration is committed to the welfare and protection of the cultural heritage of our people which the Kabiyesis hold in trust.”
He urged the Obas and all citizens go about their normal businesses as such report is malicious.
