Akeredolu tasks traditional rulers on maintaining peace in their domains

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called on newly-upgraded traditional rulers in Ondo State to reciprocate government’s gesture by ensuring that peace reign in their domains and support all government’s programmes.

Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, made the call at the presentation of Staff of Office to the newly-upgraded chiefs in Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It was reported that 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.

The governor said to address various disputes and agitations as well as ensure lasting peace in l different communities in the state, the government set up a committee to review the recommendations of the Commission with regards to the recognition and creation of minor chieftaincies.

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.

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 life time,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 causion in the use of the powers conferred on them.

Akeredolu 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.

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 upgrade to obaship status is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the state government to the resolution of all chieftaincy crisis 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 to the latter.

Responding, Oba Kalejaiye Williams, the Monarch of Obinehin, thanked the government for counting him and his community worthy of the laggesse 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 support all government’s 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, 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 unparalled 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 Ilajeland to move the state forward.

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government council, Mr Goke Jatuwase, described Akeredolu as a listening governor.

“For you to recognise and approve the Obaship for Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin showed the state governor’s unequalled ability to feel the pulse of the people by listening to their yearnings and taking pragmatic decision to grant their burning desires,” he said.