Oba Oyelere Oyewole Sakirudeen on Monday became the Onifiditi of Fiditi town following the presentation of staff of office to him.
The installation of Onifiditi came after 13 years of waiting by the people of Fiditi town in Afijio Local Government of Oyo State.
Scores of residents throng the venue of the presentation of staff of office amidst jubilation and singing.
Speaking during the installation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Sakirudeen, Oyo State Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, said the process leading to the selection of the monarch was very thorough adding that it followed the relevant in legal and historical facts.
According to a statement, the governor was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Bashiru Olanrewaju who appreciated the people and emphasized that traditional rulers have critical roles to play in the attainment of peace and prosperity, adding that “it is our determination to amicably resolve all disputes capable of inhibiting the state’s march from poverty to prosperity.”
According to him, Yorubas value leadership in every community aptly represented in the saying, “ilu kii wa, ki oma ni olori,” (meaning, a town cannot exist without a leader).
Governor Makinde also charged the king to see his installation as a call to service, adding that “as the Oba of Fiditi town, you should appropriately consult with your brother Obas and other traditional rulers in Afijio to take an objective decision in approving appointments into the minor chieftaincies by those customarily and legally entitled to make such appointments.
In a similar vein, your highness should try to understand the customary and statutory laws guiding your roles and be painstaking in embarking on activities that would complement the efforts of the present administration towards the development of Fiditi, Afijio Local Government and Oyo State in general.”
Delivering his speech, Oba Sakirudeen appreciated Governor Makinde for allowing the will of the people of Fiditi after over a decade.
“I appreciate the governor, every Fiditi descendant both home and in the diaspora for standing by me and I urge them all to please come home and develop our town. What is next for Fiditi is development; this is our first approach and because of the love that Fiditi descendants both at home and in the diaspora have been showing me since we started the struggle, I know that they are going to support me in developing Fiditi,” the new king stated.