•Governor pays homage to Ewi •Ado-Ekiti monarch urges subjects to collect PVCs
As his tenure winds down in less than two months, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is fulfilled leaving behind legacies that will not be forgotten.
The governor said the developmental projects his administration carried out in the last four years will continue to speak for him long after leaving office.
He hailed Ado-Ekiti residents for supporting his administration, saying this resulted in construction of legacy projects in the state capital.
As the battle for the governorship seat shifts to the courtroom, Fayose urged the residents to remain calm and peaceful.
Alluding to the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the July 14 governorship election, who is also his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, the governor expressed optimism that “God will return the glory of Zion very soon”.
Olusola was defeated by the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fayose spoke yesterday at the grand finale of this year’s Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, which marked the beginning of a new year in the town’s traditional calendar.
This year’s Udiroko was chaired by eminent lawyer and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.
It will be the last to be attended by Fayose as governor.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, received homage from traditional chiefs, palace queens, honorary chiefs, traditional warriors, traditional police, market women, ethnic nationalities resident in the town and other interest groups.
Fayose, an honorary chief, paid a special homage to the Ewi and prayed that “Ado will not receive an unwanted visitor”.
The governor reiterated that he remained in office and would perform some functions until the expiry of his tenure on October 16 when he is expected to make way for Fayemi.
He promised to allocate shops to market women displaced by the construction of the new Erekesan Market, including “pepper and vegetable sellers” before the week runs out.
Fayose said: “I will give the shops back to poor people, who are interested in them. This will be backed with valid documents.
“The pepper sellers, the vegetable sellers will regain their shops back.
“I gave you my word that I will perform and work for you. To the glory of God, I have performed. To the glory of God, I came, I saw and conquered. Very soon, I will roll out the timetable for a tour round the state to say thank you to the people.
“Even if Eleka (Olusola) had been declared winner, I will still go. Don’t fight with anybody; continue to sing the song of praise.
“By the grace of God, the glory and plunder of Zion shall be returned.”
Babalola described Udiroko as a veritable platform for the people of the town to remember the tradition and culture of their ancestors.
The eminent lawyer regretted that some events he described as “enemies of progress” had eroded great virtues of Ekiti.
He decried the upsurge in criminal activities in the state, such as robbery, daylight killings, stealing, destruction of property and kidnapping, as alien to Ekiti.
According to him, lack of infrastructure, like motorable highway, absence of rail lines, airport, steady electricity and water will continue to deny Ekiti of the needed investment.
Babalola noted that the development of Ekiti is the responsibility of the state government and the people.
The ABUAD founder urged the people to join hands to lift their home state.
Oba Adejugbe praised Babalola for siting ABUAD on Ado-Ekiti soil.
The monarch described the university as “one of the best in the world”.
He urged eligible voters in the town to register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCS).
Oba Adejugbe said: “Forever, the name of Peter Ayodele Fayose will not be forgotten in the history of Ado-Ekiti. You have done these for yourself. In the future, people will be asking who did these and they will answer that they were done by Peter Ayodele Fayose.
“You did it during my reign but in your name. I pray that as you leave, everything you brought here – wife, children and property – will not be lost.”
