Fayemi denies stopping Obas from receiving Jonathan

Ekiti State government has refuted a publication that Governor Kayode Fayemi sent a text message to His Royal Majesty, Oba Idowu Adamo Babalola, the Onitaji of Itaji and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the State, not to receive President Goodluck Jonathan, during his intended visit to Ekiti State. Reacting to publication, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Aderemi Ajayi, said Governor Fayemi did not send any message or give any directive to the Oba since the Governor is not even aware of any Presidential visit to the State. Ajayi added that the Governor is not in the habit of meddling with the affairs of the Obas but as a leader who has utmost respect for the Obaship Institution. The Special Adviser also stated that Governor Fayemi does not and will not give such an instruction to the Obas who he believes have the traditional rights to take decisions on their own. “As the Chief Security Officer and the Chief Executive of the State, he is in a position to know when the President is officially visiting the State. However, if it is a private visit the matter will be between the President and the affected Oba. “Furthermore, it is expected that if the President wants to visit a government institution like the Council of Traditional Rulers in the State, such arrangements must pass through the State Governor,” Ajayi stated