Ekiti Traditional Rulers Honour Fayemi Wife To Appreciate Her For Unprecedented Achievement

By Jumoke Adeogun, Abeokuta

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, has explained the rationale behind the conferment of a chieftaincy title of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

The monarch said the chieftaincy title, Akorewolu of Ilawe Ekiti, was majorly in recognition of the various people-centred programmes initiated by Erelu Fayemi, whose impact has been tremendously felt across the state by all and sundry.

Oba Alabi said Erelu Fayemi's advocacy against Gender Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, women and child trafficking, as well as protection of the girl-child and empowerment programs  are enough to earn her the title. 

The First Lady was installed as the Akorewolu of Ilawe Ekiti at the Alawe's palace, Ilawe Ekiti amidst funfair and jubilation by the people of the town, well wishes and other guests who came from far and near.

The former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers noted that the honour was a mark of appreciation for all the benefits that Erelu Fayemi has ushered into the community and the goodness of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration to the people of Ilawe Ekiti.

He emphasized that Ilawe kingdom has been enjoying an unprecedented independence under Fayemi’s administration; adding that it was during his tenure that he assumed the prestigious position of Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers where he had a peaceful tenure. 

The monarch therefore encouraged the First Lady not to relent in her humanitarian and selfless service to mankind which has been acknowledged nationally and globally.

The Akorewolu of Ilawe Ekiti is the third chieftaincy title to be received by Erelu Fayemi in the last one month in appreciation of her contributions to the social, political and economic development of the state.

Remarkably, the Ekiti First Lady bagged two chieftaincy titles in one day as she was bestowed with the title of Yeye Oba of Erinmope Ekiti by the Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti, Oba Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi and Fiwajoye of Otun Ekiti by the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo on August 27.

In her acceptance speech, Erelu Bisi Fayemi thanked the monarch and the community for the honour and for acknowledging the various interventions of the government in the town.

The First Lady noted that the chieftaincy title has bestowed on her the indigeneship of Ilawe Ekiti and promised never to fail in her responsibilities as daughter of the community.

She assured that Ekiti and Ilawe Ekiti in particular would enjoy more dividends of democracy under the incoming administration of the Governor Elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Also present at the ceremony are; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; the Governor-elect and his wife, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and Dr Yemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor-elect, Chief Monisade Afuye, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Chairman, Ekiti Council pof Obas and Onisan of Isan Ekiti; Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, Onitaji of Itaji; Oba Adamo Babalola, Commissioner for Information Ondo State; Hon. Mrs Bamidele Olateju, friends of Erelu Bisi Fayemi among other dignitaries.