In this interview with EMMANUEL ADENIRAN, the Elejokun of Isaya Ekiti speaks about the need for the Dr Kayode Fayemi-led government in Ekiti State to assist his community in the provision of infrastructures and other amenities…Excerpts
May I meet you sir?
His Royal Highness, Oba Ajayi Matthew, Elejokun, the first King of Isaya Ekiti.
Kabiyesi sir, what can you say about the origin of this town?
Well, the origin of this town is traceable to the Yoruba source (Orirun), Ile-Ife. Isaya town emanated from Ile-Isaya in Ile-Ife with the then leader, Oba Asaya in Ile-Ife. According to history, our town has been in existence since the 19th twenty during the colonial Era. As at last records, our population stood at fifteen thousand but we should be up to twenty thousand now due to the influx of other tribes into our land.
Now, that you are the new and first crowned king in this town, any development so far?
Yes, there are many developments. I started leading the community, Isaya as Baale some years back. During this period my leadership role was able to establish four primary schools, new market for the town, health center and I can assure you that through the help of God, before I mark one year on the throne, electricity supply will be restored to our town because for the past six years, we have been living without it.
What is your relationship with other communities around you like?
Thank you. Our relationship is cordial, we live in peace with each other, there is adequate synergy between me and other community leaders who share boundaries with us such as Kota and others.
Hope there is no issue of land dispute between the communities sir?
Not at all! God has been helping us. We understand ourselves. We live by the methods our ancestors left behind and see ourselves as one entity that must not be separated by anything or means.
What will you say has been the major challenge facing your people sir?
Well, like other towns around, the major challenge is herdsmen, who graze on our farmland, they distroy our crops and kill people at will. It is so disheartening that they are making inroads into different communities.
With this challenge kabiyesi, what is your take on Amotekun security outfit?
In fact, this is a welcome idea for Southwest region to protect our territorial integrity, lives and property and for the sanctity of the life of the citizenry. The idea should be supported by all and sundry.
On the present administration in Ekiti State, has there been any support at all?
Without mincing words on this, the leadership role of our amiable Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi has been felt in our town because he brought us from grass to grace in terms of infrastructural development. We pledge our support to his administration and as well look forward to more gestures towards our community.
Kabiyesi, do you wish to send words of advice to your people?
To everyone, we call on you to come and invest in our community as we have enabling environment to grow your business and services, support government policies and programs most especially security by providing adequate and useful information about happenings in our areas.
