Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has upgraded sixty-two traditional chiefs to rulers in Ondo state.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, the governor presented Staff of Office to the newly-upgraded chiefs in Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
He called on newly-upgraded traditional rulers to reciprocate the government’s gesture by ensuring that peace reigns in their domains and support all government programmes.
This comes after the state government approved the recommendations of the judicial commission of inquiry and therefore upgraded sixty-two chieftaincy titles to Obaship status.
Akeredolu commended 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.
Congratulating Oba Olowoniyi Abejoye, the Olurokun of Irokun, Oba Olatuga Anjorin, the Orunmija of Idigbengben and Oba Kalejaye Williams, the Monehin of Obinehin, the governor said the transformation was taking place in their lifetime, adding that they were the direct beneficiaries of the government’s kindness.
He tasked the new obas to see their appointment as a divine call for service to their people, thus, they should exercise restraint and caution in the use of the powers conferred on them
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Akinwunmi Sowore, felicitated the traditional rulers and the communities, praying that the development would usher in good fortune, peace and progress to their land.
According to Sowore, the recognition of the stools for an 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 thanked the State Executive Council ( SEC) for approving the report of the Justice Ajama Commission of enquiry and promised that the ministry would implement it the latter.
Responding, Oba Kalejaiye Williams, the Monarch of Obinehin, thanked the government for counting him and his community worthy of the largesse of recognition and upgrade which had been longed for, over the years.
Williams asked for more dividends of democracy for his community, promising that he would continue to support all government programmes as well as join hands with the government to ensure peace in his domain.
In his response, Oba Anjorin expressed his gratitude to God and the state government for the upgrade.
Anjorin highlighted some of the challenges facing the community and pleaded with the government to address them, 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.
