The Kwara State Government has appointed Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu as the new Olupo (traditional ruler) of Ajase-Ipo.
This followed the presentation of the letter of appointment to the Oba on Monday in Ilorin.
Aliyu Saifuddeen, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the presentation at a brief ceremony held at the State Secretariat Phase One.
Saifuddeen said the selection of Alebiosu as the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo was an honour well deserved.
He added: “I also wish to state categorically that His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has always accorded due recognition, respect and support to the traditional rulers since the inception of this administration.
“He ensures their welfare and comfort at all times, and this has greatly assisted our royal fathers in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities.”
Saifuddeen identified traditional rulers as veritable tools for grassroots mobilisation, cohesion and socio-economic and political development.
He said: “There is no doubt that royal fathers are well respected and highly revered.
“They are veritable tools for grassroots mobilisation, cohesion, socio-economic and political development.
“They are the custodians of tradition and culture of people and they are always available to assist their subjects in the resolution of conflicts.”
The commissioner urged the new traditional ruler to use the position, which Almighty Allah had bestowed on him, to promote peace, tranquility and progress among his subjects.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Alabere, called on the new traditional ruler to always carry his people along in the developmental strides of the state government.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Alebiosu assured the people that he would be fair and carry everybody along in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He commended the governor for his neutrality in ensuring that the choice of the people from the community prevailed.
He promised to encourage peaceful coexistence amongst his people.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the throne became vacant on February 21, 2021 when the ruling Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Atanda Woleola, died.
Oba Woleola was the 15th Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, and he ascended the throne in 2009, reigning for 12 years.
He died during a brief illness.