Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the transition of the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade 1.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, regretted that the state has lost a repository of knowledge, history, culture and a selfless servant of his people.
Oyebanji hailed the late Oba Alabi for presiding over a peaceful and prosperous reign that brought development to his immediate kingdom, his local government areas and the entire state at large.
He noted that the late Oba Alabi had a remarkable tenure as the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers between 2019 and 2021 during which he led the body with wisdom, grace and panache.
Oyebanji said the departed royal father contributed immensely to governance with his advice and also brought his experience as a former diplomat to beat in conflict management and resolution at grassroots level and state level.
The Governor further stated that the late Oba Alabi was a recognised national voice on various issues affecting the polity adding that the late monarch had an unique way of articulating his viewpoints at every given forum, a development that earned him respect from all and sundry.
He described the demise of the monarch as a monumental loss not only to the people of Ilawe Ekiti but to the entire state noting that a huge vacuum has been left behind by his joining of his ancestors.
The Governor prayed God to grant the family, brother monarchs, friends, associates, the people of Ilawe kingdom and the entire people of Ekiti State the fortitude to bear the great loss.
