Bamidele mourns departure of Ekiti monarch

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has expressed deep sorrow over the transition of the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I), the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti.

Bamidele also condoled the Government of Ekiti State, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ekiti South-West Local Government Area over the passage of the late traditional ruler.

In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Tuesday, Bamidele described the late monarch as a visionary traditional ruler, a seasoned diplomat, and a committed community builder.

He noted that during the reign of Oba Alabi, Ilawe-Ekiti experienced significant development adding that the late monarch was devoted to the unity and growth of Ilawe-Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole.

Bamidele said: “Before ascending the throne of his fathers in 2012, Oba Alabi served meritoriously for 25 years in Nigeria’s Foreign Service at the directorate cadre. At different times, he served in Nigeria’s foreign missions in Cameroon and South Africa, among others.

“Under his reign, Ilawe-Ekiti witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrial development, and digital connectivity. He also advocated vigorously for the recognition of the roles of traditional rulers in the 1999 Constitution, citing their proximity to the grassroots.”

The leader of the Senate stated that the leadership of the late monarch elevated the profile of Ilawe-Ekiti and strengthened the traditional institution in Ekiti State and across Yorubaland, especially when he served as the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers from 2019 to 2021.

He also commended the monarch’s commitment to unity among traditional rulers, noting his tenure as former Chairman of both the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ekiti South-West Traditional Council.

“Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi was a monarch of wisdom, peace, and uncommon dedication to his people. His legacies of development, unity, and selfless service will remain enduring reference points for generations to come,” the Senate Leader stated.

While extending his heartfelt condolence to the royal family, people of Ilawe-Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State Traditional Council, and the entire people of Ekiti State, Bamidele prayed that God Almighty would grant the people of Ilawe-Ekiti the strength to bear this irreparable loss.