The new monarch of Eko-Ende, Oba Abdulwaheed Adekunle has said the ancient community would witness the maximisation of its full potentials during his reign.
He said the town is blessed with untapped natural resources which can generate income for the State Government and also improve socioeconomic activities of the people of the community.
Oba Adekunle stated this during his coronation and presentation of instrument of office by Osun State government during the weekend in Eko-Ende, Ifelodun local government area of the State.
He called for the supports and cooperation of the sons and daughters of Eko-Ende both at home and in the diaspora, saying achieving his visions and mission would require the collaborative efforts of all and sundry.
The monarch said “Having fulfilled all rites and tradition of ascension to the throne of Elende of Eko-Ende today Marks the Climax of all activities which the law of our State demands for me to fully Stand as the Elende of Eko-Ende.
“In the past few months of my installation, I have had the privilege of appraising what royalty means, I have
seen the reality of our situation in this town as well as the aspiration of our people. I have seen in part the
gap between where we were, where we are and where we ought to be. The stark reality is huge.
“While I appreciate the wisdom of our founding fathers and the inputs of the past Elendes, by reflecting
on what I have experienced after my installation, I come to a conclusion that before us today is an EkoEnde that yearns for something new in every area, there is no single area today that does not beg for attention, name it: education; economy; agriculture; infrastructure, justto mention a few.”
Speaking on the plight of the community, the monarch recognised that every community has its peculiar challenges and Eko-Ende is not an exemption.
He mentioned politically motivated cold-war, and the bad state of the roads that link Eko-Ende with other towns as some of the challenges facing the town.
He said “For instance, Eko-Ende/Ikirun road is fastly becoming unmotorable, Eko Ende/lnisha road has been totally cut-off, the same fate has befallen Eko-Ende / Ore / Obaroad. Furthermore, Eko-Ende has within her territory about twelve villages that do not have access road e.g Agbado Egbo, Lakangudu, Orituu, Orisunmbare, Ekomonyo, Olufi, just to mention a few.”
Oba Adekunle however called on the State government to aceed to the yearnings of the people of the town.
He appreciated the State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke’s ingenuity for ensuring rancor free selection process as well as his installation and coronation.
He also appreciated the Kingmakers and Ruling Houses in Eko-Ende, particularly the Ayedun Ruling House for the spirit of love, brotherhood, and sportsmanship conduct during the contest
and after the installation.
In his speech delivered by his deputy, Governor Adeleke urged the people of the community to shun violence and called for the support of his administration.
Responding to the demands of the monarch, the governor noted that the plight of the town was clearing and genuine and would be attended to in due course.
The monarch’s well wishers at the event, including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Absulrasheed Olabomi, the Southwest PDP National Vice Chairman, Hon. Kamorudeen Ajisafe and Mr. Azeez Maruf Olasunkanmi believed Oba Adekunle would bring into bare his education, and his vast experience in the private sector to put Eko Ende on sustainable path to progress.
They urged the people of the town to give their new King the utmost needed support to galvanize the development of the community.
