Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, the Onijan of Ijan-Ekiti, has urged the State Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating kidnapping within his territory.
According to him, kidnapping has forced some farmers to abandon their agricultural activities and relocate to other areas of the state.
During a press conference held as part of the activities for his first coronation anniversary in Ijan-Ekiti, the monarch expressed his contentment with the peace and unity that prevailed in the community during his first year of reign.
Additionally, he conveyed his delight about the restoration of the electricity supply to his community after a decade of blackout, believing that it would enhance the residents’ quality of life.
He said, “I am happy and I commend the state government for the effort to restore electricity to some parts of the state including my domain after 10 years of total blackout. The economies of our people will be better for it.
“I appeal to Ekiti State Government as well as security agencies operating in the state to redouble their efforts and tackle the menace of incessant kidnapping in various parts of the state.
“The kidnapping and other crimes perpetrated by a yet unidentified group of people especially at the Ijan/Ilumoba and Aisegba-Ekiti axis of the state have to be stemmed. The development has resulted in panic in the area and made some farmers abandon their farming activities.”
Oba Aladesuyi, who said that the community would witness unprecedented development under him, sought support for the construction of a befitting palace for the town and a library for the use of students “to read, educate and improve their knowledge”.
To overcome the current hardship in the country, the monarch advised the government at all levels “to focus more attention on the development of cottage industries. Through such, the problem of unemployment that has become rampant among the youths of the country will be tackled”.
The traditional ruler admonished the youths of the country to engage more in agriculture as a special way of checking the problem of hunger and unemployment that is ravaging the country.
