By Friday Omosola, Akure.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has presented staff of office to Sir Pius Omiyejola Akande as the substantive Asin of Oka-Odo, Iwaro-Oka, Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The vacant stool was filled after 117 years of leadership tussle. And it has been upgraded to the status of an Oba Grade C.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Honourable Babatunde Kolawole, revealed that the battle for recognition of the Obaship status of the Asin stool, began when supremacy battle ensued between the Olubaka and Asin ruling houses and the paramount status conferred on the Olubaka ruling house which was rejected by the Asin ruling house, as at that time.
The Governor said the Asin Obaship status was accorded due recognition during the defunct Western Regional Government but was jettisoned due to the supremacy battle between the Olubaka and the Asin houses, which continued unabated.
Akerelodu added; “it was after this long legal battle which was decided at the country’s apex court, the Supreme Court, ordered the State government for the implementation of the recommendation of the 1979 Justice Ogunleye commission of inquiry which conferred an Opobaship status on the Asin stool.”
“The State Executive Council Immediately Swung into action and approved the recognition of the Obaship status of Grade C for the Asin of Oka-Odo on the 4th of March 2022.”
Akeredolu, therefore, congratulated the people of Oka-Odo and charged the new Oba to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and peace as a father to all. The Governor urged him not to limit his activities to his domain alone but should make sure that the entire Oka-Odo area is developed as its paramount ruler.
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He further enjoined the Community to accord the new king the required cooperation, support and loyalty needed to move the community forward.
While charging the new king to lend the government a helping hand in ensuring peace and security in his domain, Akeredolu promised that his government will continue to make life more meaningful and worthwhile for the people through the provision of basic social amenities and infrastructure.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman Akoko Southwest Local Government Area Council, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his electioneering promise of recognising every chieftaincy stool that qualifies for recognition.
The Chairman further appealed to the people to support the government as well as key into his programmes, as a way of reciprocating his good gestures.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Segun Odusanya, joined the people of Oka-Odo and Akoko Southwest Local Government Area Council in thanking the Governor for approving the recognition of the Obaship status of the Asin of Oka-Odo on Grade C.
He appealed to other communities desirous of such a title, to come together, and speak with one voice, to enjoy the various goodies in stock for them.
The new Asin of Oka-Odo, His Royal Highness, Oba Pius Omiyejola Akande, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for fulfilling his promise to his people as well as counting Oka-Odo and consequently Akoko Southwest Local government area, worthy of such a title, which will help protect the cultural values of his people and its orientation.
Akande asked for more projects to be cited in his domain, saying such projects will make life more meaningful for his people. He pledged to live up to the expectation of the government and his people by fostering peaceful coexistence with the people and other Obas in the Local Government Area Council.
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