Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has charged the newly-upgraded traditional rulers in the state to reciprocate the government’s gesture by ensuring there is peace in their domains.
Akeredolu, said this at the presentation of the Staff of Office to the newly-upgraded chiefs in Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, urged them to support all government’s programmes.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa said the state government had approved the recommendations of the judicial commission of inquiry and therefore upgraded sixty-two chieftaincy titles to obaship status in the state.
He said the government had set up a committee to review the recommendations of the Commission with regard to the recognition and creation of minor chieftaincies to address various disputes and agitations as well as ensure lasting peace in different communities in the state.
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Akeredolu congratulated Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin for being part of the communities to benefit from the government’s kind gesture and for realizing their age-long aspiration and desire to have a recognized Oba to superintend over their affairs.
While congratulating Oba Olowoniyi Abejoye, the Olurokun of Irokun, Oba Olatuga Anjorin, the Orunmija of Idigbengben and Oba Kalejaye Williams, the Monehin of Obinehin, he said the transformation was taking place in their lifetime, adding that they were the direct beneficiaries of government’s kindness.
He further tasked them to see their appointment as a divine call for service to their people, hence, they should exercise restraint and caution in the use of the powers conferred on them.
The Chairman Southern Governors Forum promised that his administration would consciously pursue to deliver on its ‘REDEEMED” Agenda programme to the benefit of all.
“You must limit your influence to your domain. No illegal annexation and expansion of territory, or appointment of minor chiefs beyond your domains will be tolerated,” the governor warned.
Speaking, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Akinwunmi Sowore, prayed the development would usher in good fortune, peace and progress to their land.
Sowore said the recognition of the stools for upgrade to obaship status is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the state government to the resolution of all chieftaincy crises and the desire to install Obas in communities where vacancies exist.
He appreciated the State Executive Council ( SEC) for approving the report of the Justice Ajama Commission of enquiry and promised that the ministry would implement it to the latter.
Oba Kalejaiye Williams, the Monarch of Obinehin, lauded the government for counting him and his community worthy of the largesse of recognition and upgrade which had been longed for, over the years.
He asked for more dividends of democracy for his community, promising that he would continue to support all government’s programmes as well as join hands with the government to ensure peace in his domain.
Similarly, Oba Anjorin, expressed his gratitude to God and the state government for the upgrade.
Anjorin stressed some of the challenges facing the community and pleaded with the government to address them, in order to alleviate the sufferings of the people, saying the terrain of the community was really difficult.
Also, Oba Abejoye, commended the state governor for what he described as an unparalleled style of leadership and the handling of Irokun matters judiciously.
He said the recognition and upgrade was a prayer answered, adding that the community had suffered neglect for a long time.
He pleaded with the government to construct a road, linking Irokun with Agbala Obinehin, saying that the construction would bring enormous economic benefit to the state at large.
Abejoye also enjoined the government to actualise the Olokola Project as the lands earmarked for the project belonged to Irokun, consequently ondo state.
He promised to network with other traditional rulers in Ilaje Land to move the state forward.
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