- As Gov presents Staff of Office to Elereke of Ereke in Ilaje, Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje in Okitipupa
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged traditional rulers to leverage their positions to promote peace and unity among residents while enhancing the security of lives and property in their communities.
The Governor made this call during the presentation of the Instrument of Appointment and 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 of the state, on Monday.
The first ceremony which took place at the Community Grammar School, Ereke, where Oba Aanuoluwapo Adebimpe Oguntibeju was installed as the pioneer Elereke of Ereke.
During the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the significance of this recognition, noting that it was the result of a long-standing demand by the Ereke community.
He recalled the process that led to the day, beginning with the recommendations of the Justice C.E.T. Ajama Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Chieftaincy Matters, which were reviewed and implemented by his administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the people of Ereke for realizing their aspiration to have a recognized traditional ruler. He also commended Oba Adebimpe, urging him to use his position to foster peace, unity, and development in his community.
Rhe Governor said, “The instrument should be employed to strengthen the peace and cohesion of your domain and that of the State in general. The unity of your people is your strength, and this should be explored for the socio-economic uplifting of your community.”
Later in the day, the Governor proceeded to Okitipupa local government area for the coronation of Oba Oladele Fredrick Akinmoye as the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje at the St Joseph RCM Cathedral Primary School, Ayadi Quarters, Ode-Erinje.
This event was particularly significant as it marked the end of an eight-year vacancy following the demise of the previous monarch, Oba S.A.O Akinlalu, in 2016.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his delight in personally presenting the Staff of Office to Oba Akinmoye, noting that his ascension to the throne followed a transparent and lawful selection process in strict compliance with the town’s Chieftaincy Declaration.
The Governor praised the commitment of the Ebiekuraju Ruling House and the kingmakers in ensuring a smooth transition and urged the new monarch to use his administrative experience for the benefit of his people.
At both events, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of the people of Ondo State. He assured the new traditional rulers and their communities that the government would continue to invest in security infrastructure, particularly in strengthening the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted ongoing efforts of his administration to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the state.
The governor warned against any expansionist tendencies by traditional rulers, advising them to respect the jurisdictional boundaries of their chieftaincies and focus on the development of their respective domains.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, emphasized the importance his ministry places on traditional institutions, stressing that they are treated with the utmost seriousness and respect.
He noted that the coronation ceremonies were expedited due to the prompt and decisive actions of Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose intervention played a crucial role in the process.
The new monarchs promised to promote peace and development, preserve their communities’ cultural heritage, and work closely with the state government to attract opportunities to their communities.