The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved the appointment of two new traditional rulers for Ayegbaju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area and Ijesa-Isu Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, ending months of succession processes in the communities.
The council also endorsed the domestication of the Teachers Harmonised Retirement Age Act, 2022, raising the retirement age for public school teachers in the state to 65 years or 40 years of pensionable service.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the decisions were taken during the council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
According to the statement, Prince Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale was approved as the new Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti following the completion of selection procedures in line with the state’s chieftaincy laws and registered declaration guiding the stool.
The throne became vacant after the death of Oba Solomon Adeloye in February 2024. The government confirmed that kingmakers carried out the selection process in accordance with established tradition and legal provisions.
In a related development, the council approved Prince David Olusegun Ateji as the new Obanla of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti after the demise of Oba Gabriel Oso Adeniyi in September 2024, following due compliance with the applicable chieftaincy declaration.
Olatunbosun explained that the adjustment of teachers’ retirement age was aimed at addressing manpower shortages in public schools and retaining experienced educators to strengthen learning outcomes across the state.
The government reiterated its commitment to improving the education sector, stressing that keeping skilled teachers longer in service would enhance academic standards and support overall educational development.
