Aiyedatiwa charges traditional rulers with communal peace

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on traditional rulers to harness their influential positions to foster peace and unity and enhance security within their communities. 

He emphasised the critical role they play in safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement, disclosed that Aiyedatiwa made this appeal during the presentation of staff of office to Oba Adebimpe Aanuoluwapo Oguntibeju, the Elereke of Ereke in Ilaje Local Government Area, and Oba Oladele Akinmoye, the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area, on Monday.

The first ceremony was held at the Community Grammar School in Ereke, where Oba Adebimpe Aanuoluwapo Oguntibeju was installed as the inaugural Elereke of Ereke. 

Governor Aiyedatiwa, during the event, underscored the significance of this milestone, highlighting that it fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the Ereke community. 

He reflected on the journey leading to this day, which began with the recommendations of the Justice C.E.T. Ajama Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Chieftaincy Matters, subsequently reviewed and implemented by his administration.

He congratulated the Ereke community on achieving their goal of having a recognized traditional ruler and commended Oba Adebimpe. The governor urged the newly installed monarch to use his position to promote peace, unity, and development within his community.

“This instrument should be utilized to reinforce peace and cohesion in your domain and, by extension, across the state. The unity of your people is your strength, and it should be harnessed for the socio-economic advancement of your community,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

Similarly that day, he proceeded to Okitipupa Local Government Area for the coronation of Oba Oladele Fredrick Akinmoye as the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje at St. Joseph RCM Cathedral Primary School, Ayadi Quarters, Ode-Erinje. 

This ceremony marked the end of an eight-year vacancy following the death of the previous monarch, Oba S.A.O. Akinlalu, in 2016.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his pleasure in personally presenting the Staff of Office to Oba Akinmoye, noting that his ascension to the throne was the result of a transparent and lawful selection process, conducted in strict accordance with the town’s Chieftaincy Declaration. 

The governor commended the Ebiekuraju Ruling House and the kingmakers for ensuring a smooth transition and urged the new monarch to leverage his administrative experience for the betterment of his people.

At both ceremonies, the governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of Ondo State residents. 

He assured the newly installed traditional rulers and their communities that the government would continue to invest in security infrastructure, with a particular focus on strengthening the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also emphasized ongoing initiatives by his administration to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure throughout the state.

He advised traditional rulers to respect the jurisdictional boundaries of their chieftaincies, cautioning against any expansionist tendencies and encouraging them to concentrate on the development of their respective domains.