We’ll not tolerate appointments of local chiefs by any traditional ruler outside his own jurisdiction – Ondo Govt

*Makes case for traditional rulers in community security

By KEMI KASUMU

The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, South West Governors Forum, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has warned individual traditional rulers in Ondo State to discontinue with the incessant attitude of appointing local chiefs outside of their own domains.

He said the Government of the core South West state will no longer tolerate such behaviour as, according to our findings, the government probably is now fully aware how such practice – whereby some monarchs encroach on the jurisdictions of other traditional rulers to assert authority – is main a major factor causing communal crisis and insecurity at community level.

The Governor made this warning precisely on Thursday December 29, 2022 during the coronation of a national figure, whose tenure as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) also saw him as him as holding the position of what is today separated as Head of Service of the Fedration (HoSF), Samuel Oluyemi Falae popularly known as Olu Falae, as the Olu of Ilu-Abo, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Represented at the coronation by his Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, Akeredolu, renowned for his alias of Talk-and-Do Governor, warned against the crisis in every community within the state and described traditional rulers as stakeholders who play a vital role in ensuring the security of lives and property of their subjects in their respective domains.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), while speaking during the ceremony, said the upgrade of the traditional stool of Ilu-Abo followed the report and recommendation of the Justice Ajama Commission of Enquiry and, therefore, sounded it clear that, by the legality of the process, the upgrade of traditional rulers across the state should not cause anarchy.

Lauding the virtues of Oba Olu Falae as hardworking and honest personality that is committed to the development of his immediate environment, Governor Akeredolu saw him as going to be impactful in uplifting the standard of his own kingdom, while noting that traditional rulers can be helpful in providing adequate security in the country.

The Governor pointed out that traditional rulers are supposed to be given an opportunity to make their own contributions in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges ravaging Nigeria as a nation.

In the words of Governor Akeredolu, “What we are witnessing today is a big breakthrough. Out of all the Obas upgraded to the status of Oba, Akure North has nine in all with Oba Samuel Oluyemi Falae as one of the beneficiaries. Let me use this opportunity to tell you that your appointment is divinely orchestrated, you have seen it all in the government, civil service and I want to appeal to you to continue with your elder statesmanship attitude as usual.

“The priority of this administration is the security of lives and properties and we in government can be sure that with you as the Oba of Ilu- Abo, we have no worries as we are confident of your capability,” he said.

Emphatically the Governor said, “Please note that the government will not tolerate any incessant appointments of local chiefs by any traditional ruler outside his own jurisdiction, on this note, accept my hearty congratulations on your new office.”

The DEFENDER had reported reportedly that by its new status, Oba Olu Falae has now been inducted into the Akure North Traditional Rulers Council.

Oba Falae’s coronation ceremony was witnessed by Second Republic Commissioner of Finance in Old Ondo State and in-law of the new Olu of Ilu-Abo, Pa Reuben Fasoranti; Acting Chairman, Akure North Local Government, Hon. Anthony Adebusola; Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede; the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; and the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, among others. The event was also witnessed by former Minister of Transportation and Dan Amana of Daura, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.