Osun steps up Ebola prevention, approves new Onijabe, other monarchs
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has stepped up preparations to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the state, assuring residents that necessary measures have been put in place to guard against a possible outbreak.
The government gave the assurance after the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday, where members considered the threat posed by the virus and approved an action plan submitted by the Ministry of Health.
Although no case of Ebola has been reported in the state, the council said it was necessary to prioritise preventive measures and ensure that health facilities were prepared to respond to any suspected case.
The Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, urged public and private hospitals across the state to report suspected cases promptly.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, after the meeting, also called on healthcare facilities to remain alert and ensure they were adequately prepared to handle any possible outbreak.
The government said the state’s efforts were in line with measures being taken by federal health authorities, including intensified contact tracing, surveillance and emergency preparedness.
The state government maintained that it would continue to take necessary steps to protect residents against the virus.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Babatunde Omotosho Tajudeen as the new Onijabe of Ijabeland, with immediate effect.
The approval followed the council’s decision to set aside the 2018 Amended Onijabe of Ijabe Chieftaincy Declaration and review the selection process that produced the new monarch.
The council also approved the elevation of some minor chiefs to Part II recognised chiefs and confirmed the appointments of traditional rulers in various communities across the state.
Among those approved are Oloyede Samuel Oyekanmi Adewale as Olugbense of Agurodo in Ejigbo West Local Government Area; Prince Adewusi Adetunji Hamsat as Alaba of Alaba-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area; and Chief Adedoyin Muritala Adewale as Akogun of Ife in Ife East Local Government Area.
Others are Prince Babajide Oludare as Olupasi of Ipasi-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area; Prince (Dr) Philip Abiodun Badewa as Akeji of Ikeji-Ile in Oriade Local Government Area; and Prince Oni Edward Olujoba as Akinsin of Inisa-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area.
The council also approved Prince Adedeji Kayode Adedapo as Wasare of Ijana Wasare-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Central Local Council Development Area; Prince Abdulrauf Babatunde Lawal Oyekunle as Oloponda of Oponda in Odo-Otin Local Government Area; and Prince Adelaja Oluwaseyi Adedoyin as Alajebamidele of Ajebamidele-Ijesa in Atakumosa East Local Government Area.
Also approved was the report of the seven-man panel of inquiry into the Olu of Araromi-Owu chieftaincy crisis in Ayedaade Local Government Area.
Other appointments approved by the council include Prince Frederick Adedayo Haastrup as Aloya of Iloya-Ijesa in Atakumosa West Local Government Area; Chief (Mrs) Ojo Hannah Bolanle as Arise of Ilesa in Ilesa West Local Government Area; and Prince Musibau Adewuyi Omotosho as Olu of Ayenigba in Egbedore South Local Council Development Area.
The council further approved Prince Lawal Sherif Atanda as Alawo of Ilawo in Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area and Alamuye of Amuye-faforiji-Ijesa Oba (Dr.) Adebayo Richard Faforiji (Oteniara III) in Atakunmosa East local government.
All the appointments take immediate effect.