New Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu (Left); during the Swearing-In Ceremony, in Ado-Ekiti.
The new Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Modupe Adelabu was on Wednesday sworn -in following her confirmation by the State House of Assembly earlier on Tuesday.
The 63-year old Professor of Education was sworn in by the State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola at a colourful event held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado- Ekiti.
Speaking at the ceremony which was well attended by dignitaries from different parts of the country, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the appointment of Prof Adelabu was received with “overwhelming approval” from the people because she is a round peg in a round hole.
Dr. Fayemi who expressed confidence that the new Deputy Governor would perform well, urged her to continue to endear herself to the hearts of the people as she steps into the large shoe left behind by her predecessor, late Mrs Funmi Olayinka.
While noting that the new Deputy Governor already has the leadership qualities that would make her succeed, Fayemi traced Adelabu’s lineage to three royal families in Ado Ekiti, Ise Ekiti and Ijero Ekiti where her parents and her late husband hailed from; saying that this must have given her the experience needed to lead.
The Governor while charging Adelabu to justify the confidence reposed in her by the people of the state, advised her to ignore subversive criticisms and rumours peddled in the social media by detractors; saying that the late Deputy Governor succeeded in warding off the unfounded rumours and criticisms by her selfless service to the state.
In her acceptance speech, the new Deputy Governor extolled her predecessor, late Olayinka; saying that she really served the people tirelessly and would continue to be remembered for her selfless service to the people. She promised to continue with the good works started by Olayinka and see them to completion.
Prof Adelabu also pledged her unalloyed support to the people and government of Ekiti State and assured that she would justify the confidence reposed in her by the Governor. The former SUBEB Chairperson said that she had accepted the new assignment “in faith and not in fear” , stressing that the State would thrive better during her time.
At the event were the Wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade Okunade; Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council and Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin; a former Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs Teju Philips; and the State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Chief Jide Awe among other dignitaries.
Last modified: May 8, 2013