The attention of the Coalition of Elemure People has been drawn to a press release circulated by the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.
In the letter, allegedly signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor extended condolences to the family of His Royal Majesty, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, HRM Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, the Elemure-in-Council, and the people of the town over the passing of our revered Oba.
Also read: Indigenes decry Governor Oyebanji’s glaring disregard of Emure Ekiti
The statement claims that the news of the renowned traditional ruler’s demise was officially communicated to the Governor over the weekend after the conclusion of all traditional rites.
This raises several issues.
It is unfortunate that the governor is taking this tactic as damage control because there is no iota of truth in the statement.
As a matter of fact, why did the governor only hear about the demise of our beloved Oba three days ago, following the release accusing him of ignoring the Emure people, when the Oba joined his ancestors two weeks ago?
For his information, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, heard the news and paid a condolence visit, and even the Inspector General of Police did the same as soon as the news broke. How could our dear governor have only heard about the unfortunate news three days ago?
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Additionally, Mr. Governor, the chairman of Emure Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Olutosin Adedayo Adedigbo, called you around 9pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in the presence of all the chiefs at the palace.
We can all see why what your SA on Media shared was not true.
And here is why your attitude towards Emure is not only unfair but also worrying.
Ever since the ascension of your administration to the highest office in Ekiti State, Emure is the only major town lacking your presence.
There is the issue of the deplorable condition of the Eporo Owo road, a vital road that connects Ekiti State with Owo in Ondo State.
We recall that it was on this road that school pupils were kidnapped, and until now, no security measures, such as a police post or road repairs, have been implemented to deter criminal activities. The governor has not visited the area to console the victims and their families.
The Ikere to Emure road has turned into a project where unscrupulous government contractors perform minimal work every six months before disappearing, leaving the road in a dangerous state.
Emure is the only town that the governor has overlooked, with no signs of government impact or development since his inauguration.
The lack of government appointments for any Emure indigene further highlights the town’s marginalisation, despite its significant status in Ekiti State.
For Emure Day 2023, you neither attended nor sent a representative, yet you attended a birthday party of a party faithful.
If you are truly sorry about the demise of our king, as claimed in your statement, then kindly use your office to conclude a project that was so dear to the Elemure he donated two of his personal properties for its actualisation: the establishment of a polytechnic in Emure.
This project has reached an advanced stage, with substantial amounts raised by the children of Emure at home and abroad, and lands have been earmarked.
As a former lecturer, you should know the importance of situating a higher institution in a town. We would be happy to name it after you if that is what it would take.
The people of Emure Ekiti deserve better than the treatment we’re getting from you, Gov. Oyebanji.
If your condolence message is not out of hypocrisy or a knee-jerk reaction to a newspaper article, then do the needful.
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