Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday presented first class staff of office to the new Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya three days after his appointment.
Oba Yahaya, a law graduate of the University of Ilorin is from the Alebiosu ruling house and was born on February 11, 1980. He succeeds Sikiru Atanda, who died in February after a brief illness.
The Governor who specifically commended the people of Ajase-Ipo for the peace that heralded the nomination of the new monarch, called on traditional rulers to counsel and educate their subjects to be good citizens and continue to work for communal and national peace, harmony and tranquility.
“Traditional institution remains a veritable tool for grassroots mobilisation, cohesion, socio-economic and political development. As the custodians of tradition and culture of the people, the Royal Fathers are required to assist Government to counsel and educate their subjects to be good citizens, so that peace, harmony and tranquility can be maintained,” AbdulRazaq said at the event held at Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun local government area.
He reiterated the administration’s support and respect for traditional institution.
“As an administration, we will always respect the culture, custom and tradition of our communities. This is exactly what played out throughout the selection process. We simply stuck with the choice of the people. We believe that is the path of honour, peace, and sustainable development,” he said.
AbdulRazaq congratulated the new Olupo of Ajase-Ipo on his popular choice by the people and urged him to ride on his goodwill to rally the people for unity and peace for the development of Ajase-Ipo.
He commended the traditional institution for the good roles they have played so far in ensuring peace in the state and encouraged them to do more.
“I join other compatriots to sue for increased understanding and accommodation amongst ourselves. Peace, security and development of Nigeria lie in everyone playing their roles as patriotic citizens. This is especially true of leaders,” AbdulRazaq added.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the staff of office, the new Olupo promised to promote peaceful co-existence within his domain and beyond as well as work hard to turn Ajase-Ipo into a model town with rapid development.
“I shall remain supportive and committed to promoting government programmes and policies at all times within my immediate domain, Irepodun local government area, Igbomina/Ekiti land, Kwara State and Nigeria at large. I shall work very hard to turn Ajase-Ipo into a model town with rapid development,” Oba Alebiosu said.
