The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has warned against any attempt to subvert the mandate freely given to the governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in the June 21 governorship election.

Rising from its meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Tuesday, the monarchs said such attempt could further aggravate the already tensed situation in the state.

The meeting, which reviewed the security situation in the state, commiserated with the family of a former Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr. Omolafe Aderiye, who was murdered last Thursday by yet-unknown gunmen.

In a statement signed by its Chairman and the Onitaji of Itaji, Oba Adamo Babalola, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti traditional rulers council said the people of the state had spoken through the ballot papers in the election.

It said, “We condemn in its strongest terms these occurrences which led to the destruction of a life and property. We believe that Ekiti State is greater than any individual or group of persons. We should steer clear of any act that can set Ekiti ablaze.

“We appeal to the gladiators to sheathe their swords and prevent further aggravation of the already bad situation.

“We are of the view that the people of the state had spoken through the ballot on June 21, 2014 and a mandate freely given. The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers therefore feels strongly that this mandate should be actualised as any attempt to truncate it may further aggravate the situation.”

The monarchs expressed confidence in the ability of the Ekiti judiciary to dispense justice on any matter, urging that the judiciary must continue to prove that it remained the hope of the common man.

The traditional rulers also commended the security agencies for efforts to restore peace in the state after the violence that followed the murder of Aderiye.

They appealed to the people to shun violence in order to ensure speedy restoration of peace and to complement the efforts of the security agencies.