Ekiti mourns as Onikogosi dies at 97
Ekiti State Government has commiserated with the family of the Onikogosi of Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oba Elijah Olorunnisola who died last Friday at the age 97.
The government described the passage of the monarch who reigned for 33 years as sad and painful.
It said the reign of the traditional ruler who hailed from Otutubiosun royal dynasty was peaceful and progressive.
It called on his council members to maintain the rhythm and ensure quick ascension to the vacant throne in a rancour-free process.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji hails from Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government. The community is renowned and respected as a world- class resort centre where the cold and warm springs meet.
The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye delivered the condolence message during a visit to Onikogosi’s palace on Tuesday.
While sympathizing the monarch’s widow, Olori Funmilayo Olorunnisola, who received the entourage, Mrs. Afuye condoled Governor Oyebanji and members of the Onikogosi-in-council on the demise of the traditional ruler she described as a champion of peace and development during his life.
The deputy governor, in a statement by her Media Assistant, Victor Ogunje, explained why Governor Oyebanji has not visited the palace since the official announcement of the monarch’s death, saying that he was outside Ekiti State on official engagements.
Commending the late monarch for his meritorious services to Ikogosi, the deputy governor said, “On behalf of the Ekiti State Government, I sympathise with you on the demise of our respected monarch, Oba Elijah Olorunnisola, a known lover of peace in the state Traditional Council.
“Though, we don’t normally mourn Kabiyesi in Yoruba culture, there is no way we won’t feel his departure, because Oba Olorunnisola had penchant for love, peace and progress. We know he would be sorely missed.
“We are appealing to you to take the current situation with calmness. We should just see it that Kabiyesi has joined his ancestors to rest after serving you meritoriously. There is nothing we can do about it. We pray that God will uphold the family he left behind.
“Rather than mourning Kabiyesi, you should pray that the land should progress and develop better than he left it. Kabiyesi was even lucky to have lived long and reigned for over three decades. These rare privileges are worth celebrating”.
In her response on behalf of the family, the monarch’s widow, Olori Olorunnisola, thanked the state government for showing empathy and concern for the family and town ”at these trying times.”