By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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A prominent traditional ruler in Ekiti State and Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi,  has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to take proactive measures to secure and develop the  border towns across the state for safety and economic prosperity.

Oba Adesanmi lamented that most of Ekiti communities that share borders with neighbouring states are being  bedeviled with recurrent  cases of kidnapping and killings, while also groaning under the burden of bad roads and lack of other public utilities.

The monarch, who spoke in Ogotun Ekiti, at the weekend, during his coronation ceremony, where prominent Nigerians were also conferred with chieftaincy titles, said the town has a lot of lofty and remarkable potentials in agriculture that can add values to Ekiti if harnessed.

Among those who were conferred with chieftaincy titles were: Senator Biodun Olujimi, A House of Representatives member, Hon Yemi Adaramodu, a veteran journalist, Mr. Femi Ige, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, an APC Chief, Demola Popoola, among others.

Oba Adesanmi pleaded with Oyebanji to secure the town, which shares border with Ikeji and Owena in Osun State, to boost agriculture, where the town has a comparative advantage, to turn around the fortunes of his subjects.

Speaking about his  rancour-free ascendancy onto the throne, after the demise of the late Oba Samuel Oyebade, Oba Adesanmi, said; “Let me thank the Ekiti State Government under Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi for ratifying my selection as the 32nd Ologotun.

“I now call on Governor Oyebanji to beam the searchlight of security and development on my community. We share boundaries with Owena and Ikeji-Ile in Osun State. Unfortunately, the roads linking us with these communities are in terrible conditions. The road linking us to Ipole Iloro is impassable as we speak, likewise the one to Ikogosi.

“The road linking us to Ikeji Ile was last rehabilitated under the PTF days. It is in a bad shape now. The one to Owena is begging for attention. We have large expanse of lands and farm settlements along the corridor, but deplorable roads will not allow us harness the resources. Ogotun has 24 villages, farm settlements and camps.