The deputy governor of Ekiti State addressed the people of Oke-Ijebu Ekiti at the presentation of the instrument of appointment and staff of office to their new king, Oba Ezekiel Idowu Awe. She noted that the kingship stool had been vacant since 1977, and that the selection process to fill it took longer than necessary. She urged unity among the people and asked them to support the new king and the state government. At the event, she formally presented the instrument of appointment and staff of office to Oba Awe on behalf of the governor of Ekiti State.

1. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
Address Delivered by
Her Excellency Mrs. ‘Funmi OLAYINKA
Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria,
At the Presentation of instrument of appointment, and Staff of office to
the Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu Ekiti, on Saturday November 12, 2011.
PROTOCOLS
Distinguished sons and daughters of Oke-Ijebu Ekiti and
their friends and well wishers, I rejoice with you today as
your Oba, the Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu, His Royal Majesty,
Oba Ezekiel Idowu Awe, receives his instrument of
appointment and staff of office from the state
government.
I am aware that the stool of the Oloojebu became vacant
in 1977 due to the demise of Oba Suleiman Adalumo of
Irode ruling house and that effort to fill the vacancy
commenced promptly. Sadly enough, I want to note that
the exercise that is being climaxed today has taken
longer than necessary.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to appreciate that
the meeting held by members of the Imore ruling house
on October 27, 2008 where Oba Awe was endorsed as
the new Oloojebu. I also want to thank the warrant
chiefs who met and issued the then Prince Ezekiel Idowu
Awe with a certificate of nomination on October 29,
2010.
1 | Page Presentation of instrument of appointment and staff of
office to Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu on Saturday November 12, 2011.

2. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
Even when the state executive council approved the
appointment of the Kabiyesi designate on August 3,
2011, the chieftaincy wrangling resulting in what could
be described as a do or die situation among the various
interest groups in the community unfortunately led to
fractionalization and polarization of the once cohesive
community.
The present leadership in the Land of Honour is opposed
to any form of rivalry or competition that does not
promote unity and progress in our community. As
staunch believers in the rule of law, we know that there
will always be winners and losers in any form of contest,
but it is paramount that we see ourselves as brothers
and sisters, from the same parents.
The Appeal Court ruling of May 20, 2011 in the
litigations concerning the appointment of Kabiyesi is
though important, I am sure that our referred Oba will
not see anybody as a victor or a vanquish. I want to
appeal to all of us to cooperate with him for the ultimate
benefit and development of Oke-Ijebu. We bury the
hatchet to move forward so that we can all be
beneficiaries of an inwardly looking government that now
administer Ekiti.
To your Royal Majesty, I say congratulations once again
and I want you to see your ascension to the throne of
your fathers as a divine call to duty. I urge you to
exercise the powers bestowed on you with uttermost
restraint and the fear of God. Thread the path of
2 | Page Presentation of instrument of appointment and staff of
office to Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu on Saturday November 12, 2011.

3. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
reconciliation, seek the advice of all and respect the
views of the majority in all things.
Kabiyesi, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Dr.
Kayode Fayemi led administration in this state takes
very seriously to the welfare of our people. We are
committed to even development of all our communities. I
have taken note of the demands put forward on behalf of
this community; I want to assure you that the demands
will be taken care of within the available resources.
In ending this address, I want to urge you to continue to
appreciate the good gesture of government by striving to
maintain peace in our state even as we keep supporting
the laudable programmes of this administration.
On a final note, I want to wish Kabiyesi long life and
prosperity on the throne and pray that the good people
of Oke-Ijebu will continue to witness individual and
corporate greatness.
At this juncture, it is my pleasure to present the
instrument of appointment and staff office to Oba
Ezekiel Idowu Awe, the Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu, on behalf
of the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.
Thank you all, God bless.
H.E. MRS. ‘FUNMI OLAYINKA
DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
November 12, 2011
3 | Page Presentation of instrument of appointment and staff of
office to Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu on Saturday November 12, 2011.

4. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
4 | Page Presentation of instrument of appointment and staff of
office to Oloojebu of Oke-Ijebu on Saturday November 12, 2011.