Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the pioneer traditional ruler of Oke-Oro in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Oba Olanrewaju Olawoye Adeyemi, as the Owa Adimula of Okeoro, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and tackling insecurity across communities.
Speaking at the installation ceremony, the governor disclosed that the State Executive Council approved the recognition of the Oke-Oro Chieftaincy Declaration on April 14, 2026, in line with the Chieftaincy Law of Ondo State, 1984, as amended, following what he described as a painstaking scrutiny of the community’s request.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also announced the official change of the community’s name from Oke Irun to Oke-Oro.
Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, the governor said the recognition of the stool has fulfilled the long-standing aspiration of the people to have a recognised traditional institution.
He congratulated the new monarch on his ascension as the pioneer Owa Adimula of Oke-Oro and expressed optimism that his reign would usher in peace, unity and accelerated development in the community.
The governor, however, advised the monarch against the misuse of traditional authority, stressing that the instrument of office must be deployed to promote peace, harmony and cordial relations within the community and neighbouring towns.
On insecurity, the governor reiterated that the protection of lives and property remain a top priority of his administration, noting that the government has continued to strengthen the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies through improved funding, logistics and manpower support.
He urged traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies through effective intelligence gathering to curb criminal activities across the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also addressed the controversy surrounding the installation, insisting that the ceremony was conducted in compliance with a subsisting court order.
“If one court order says I should go ahead and another one is saying don’t go ahead, common sense will tell me what I ought to choose. And I have chosen this,” he said.
The governor maintained that only the Court of Appeal has the authority to halt the exercise, noting that courts of coordinate jurisdiction cannot invalidate one another’s rulings.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adeyemi expressed appreciation to the governor for making the historic occasion possible, describing him as an Omoluabi.
The monarch stated that Oke-Oro has the largest land mass in the state, adding that the community is clearly reflected on the state map and shares boundaries with Ekiti and Supare, among others.
Oba Adeyemi thereafter conferred on Governor Aiyedatiwa the traditional title of Lisa Jigan of Oke-Oro.
Earlier, Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Esan Owolabi, described the installation as a historic milestone and the dawn of a new era for the people of Oke-Oro.
He said the official recognition of the community’s first traditional ruler would remain a memorable achievement for generations yet unborn.
Owolabi congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, describing it as a call to selfless service, unity and community advancement.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the stool and presenting the staff of office to the monarch, describing the gesture as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
May 27, 2026.