Kwara: New Elerin of Erin-Ile receives staff of office from governor Abdulrazaq

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has officially presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Adesoye Adebowale Jimoh.

While presenting the staff on Saturday, the governor emphasized the importance of unity and progress for the ancient city.

The ceremony, held in Ilorin, was attended by cabinet members, traditional rulers, and notable figures from Erin-Ile.

Oba Adesoye ascended the throne following the passing of the late Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Olusokun II (MFR) on May 20, 2023.

During the presentation, Governor AbdulRazaq stated, “As I present the First Class Staff of Office to Your Royal Highness, I urge you to be magnanimous and work for peace and development of your community and Kwara State as a whole.”

The governor further urged the new monarch to “do to your subjects what great fathers do to their children and deploy unity in diversity to take Erin-Ile Kingdom to the greatest height ever.” He congratulated Oba Adesoye on his new role and prayed for the late Elerin’s admission into the ranks of divine servants.

“The race for the stool of the new Elerin is over now. God makes Kings, and Kings are to govern in the interest of their people,” he remarked, encouraging the people of Erin-Ile to support their new royal father.

Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and peaceful coexistence, seeking the support of every Kwaran in these efforts.

Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi, Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Sheu Muazu, Olusin of Isanlu Isin Oba Solomon Atobatele Oloyede, Emir of Lafiagi Muhammed Kawu, Onira of Ira Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro, and Balogun Alanamu Ilorin Dr Abubakar Usman Jos, among others.

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, commended the Erin-Ile kingmakers and the community for their maturity and commitment to peace during the selection process.

He stated, “This occasion further demonstrated the administration’s respect for the traditional institution. Your cooperation and suggestions towards implementing various well-articulated policies and programmes of the government will always be welcomed to confirm the confidence reposed in you.”

In response, the Elerin expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq and the people of Erin-Ile for their confidence in him. He pledged to promote peace and improve the quality of life for the community, saying, “Our objective is to support the government in fostering a better quality of life for the people of Erin-Ile and Kwara State.

In short, we will be Your Excellency’s partners in progress. We have a clear understanding of what this partnership and our contributions to good governance will entail.”