Use part of security votes to tackle insecurity, Ekiti monarchs tell governors

Disturbed by the level of insecurity bedeviling Ekiti State and the country in general, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, yesterday, urged the governors to set aside funds from their security votes to adequately provide human and other resources in addressing the security challenges.

The monarchs also called on government at all levels to empower traditional institutions financially for them to tackle the challenges.

The royal fathers, who reiterated the closeness of the traditional rulers to the grassroots, said there is urgent need for the governors to stop killings, kidnappings and other heinous crimes pervading the land.

The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, stated this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while delivering his valedictory speech as Chairman of the State Council of Traditional rulers.

Oba Ajibade, who was appointed in 2019, will end his two years tenure as chairman of the council on July 31, 2021.

He said that the importance of traditional rulers in attaining peace, progress, security and development in the country could not be over-emphasised, urging government at all levels to collaborate with the monarchs in driving their policies in the overall interest of the citizens.

The outgoing chairman said the Council under him witnessed unprecedented development and facelift with security and welfare of members as priority. He added that the Council engaged government on its policies and contributions on national development. He said his enormous input and contributions led to the formation of the South-West Security Network, popularly called Amotekun Corps.

He, therefore, emphasised the need for the governors in the region to equip the outfit with modern day equipment in policing the area.

He commended the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for the confidence he reposed in him to lead the traditional council and the respect his administration accord to the council in the area of wide consultation with them on important policies of the government.

While lauding his colleagues in the council for their understanding, support and loyalty in the last two years, Ilawe-Ekiti monarch emphasised the need for them to support and advise the government at all times towards delivering its mandates to the people.