….as Ikere Political Stakeholders, Leaders of Thought endorse good governance and peace pact
As political gladiators step up their games ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Ikere born philanthropist and advocate of good governance in Ekiti State,Mr Harrison Niyi Alonge has praised the convener of Ikere political stakeholders and Leaders of Thought 2025 Summit, Pastor Femi Orolu describing the event as unprecedented in history of Ikere Kingdom.
The France based business mogul stated this after the Ikere political stakeholders and leaders’ summit, held at Inspiration Hotel,in Ikere Ekiti, and convened with the support of Ikere Development Forum(IDF) to have a better representation in Ekiti political space in 2026 governorship and subsequent elections in Ekiti State.
In a message released through his Media aide Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi and made available to the press in Ikere Ekiti reads; “the only way Ikere Kingdom could achieve the seat of power in subsequent elections in Ekiti State and Nigeria is to have a collaborative politicking and unity of purpose in overall interest of development of Ikere Kingdom in respective of political affiliation”.
Mr Alonge,the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Harrison Niyi Alonge Care Foundation urged the political players to play the game accordingly and embrace good governance, peaceful coexistence before,during and after elections
Speaking at the summit themed:“Building a United Ikere: Collaborative Politics & Governance for Sustainable Development And Peaceful Elections”, the Convener, Pastor Tope Orolu, described the summit as timely, unique and first of it’s kind,which will help position Ikere Kingdom in scheme of better positions in coming elections in Ekiti State without any rancour.
The Guest speaker at the summit,a retired fellow chartered banker,Mr Femi Ekundayo said, Ikere needs passionate and kindhearted personalities in position of power in politics and urges Ikere political gladiators to see Ikere development as priority above personal interest.
He further urged political Leaders in respective of political affiliation to see development of Ikere Kingdom as priority above individual interest.
The Chairman of the occasion who the Asiwaju of Ikere Kingdom,Ch Wole Olanipekun SAN, CFR, ably represented by the High Chief Sapetu of Ikere Kingdom, urges Ikere political players to be ready to sacrifice positions in the overall interest of Ikere Kingdom. He said the era of 1983 political violence is gone,we should embrace peace and unity.
Mr Alonge saluted the convener of the summit and Ikere Development Forum (IDF)for their innovation and sense of patriotism towards peace building in the town, describing this as a rare demonstration of leadership that can guarantee togetherness among political gladiators and political parties.
“It is a known fact that nothing can be achieved under the atmosphere of disunity, violence and discord. It is under the atmosphere of peace and cohesion that we can forge a united front to achieve the seat of power in Ekiti State.
In her own remarks,the executive deputy Gov of Ekiti State, Her Excellency Ch Mrs Monisade Christianah Afuye appreciated the organisers of this first of it’s kind political summit in Ikere Ekiti.
For the Ikere Community to continue to move forward in all spheres and gets its bearing right in politics in Ekiti State, Ch Mrs Afuye urged the political players to eschew infighting, divisions, and other actions that could weaken the town politically, socially and economically.
High Chief Saruku further said;
“This town is the second largest town in Ekiti State. Our not being relegated can only be averted, if all political players shun violence, thuggery, and come together and present a formidable candidate who will be more beneficial to attain the leadership position in subsequent governorship elections in Ekiti State as dreams by Ikere Kingdom.
“The pull him down and backstabbing syndrome should be laid to rest and buried.
Harping on the imperative of politicians upscaling quality representation as an antidote to poverty, a former Deputy Governor, Surv.Biodun Aluko, appealed to those in positions of authorities to provide employment for youth, unite the town and provide effective leadership that can help the community grow and develop.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former Deputy Governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola Eleka, urged political gladiators to respect the plurality of opinions and ambitions during elections, warning that, violence and attack during Elections will not take Ikere to anywhere.
Campaigning against politics of bitterness under the current political climate in the town, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, represented by High Chief Sapetu of Ikere Kingdom, Chief Olufemi Babatola, reflected on the gory incidences of 1966 and 1983 political crises, where property worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the community and some parts of Ekiti State.
The monarch, who is the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, warned against the repeat of such harrowing experiences, and this, he said, could only be achieved, when politicians are circumspect of their actions and imbibe the spirit of patriotism during electioneering process and ready to relief your position for better opportunity in overall interest of Ikere Kingdom.
High profile Ikere indigenes at the summit are: Former House of Representatives member, Hon Yemi Aladejebi, former Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Bankers, Mr. Femi Ekundayo, Otunba Sola Adewumi,the Chairman/CEO Inspiration Hotel, Ikere Ekiti,an APC chieftain, Mr. Kola Alabi, Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon Olu Adamolekun, Chairman of Ikere West LCDA, Hon Rufus Olorunfemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barr Niyi Idowu, Chairman, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs Rhoda Ojo, former Information Commissioner, Hon Muyiwa Olumilua, Otunba Bisi Aloba, former Majority Leader, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Kayode Babade, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Hon Victor Adeniyi, former Ikere Local Government Chairman, Hon Gbenga Omole, PDP legal Adviser,Barr Ola Alonge, Secretary Ikere Local Government,Hon Alonge,a prominent PDP Leader,Engr Awe Babatunde,among others.
