Traditional institutions critical to grassroots development – Gov Aiyedatiw

…Ooni, Deji, Takuro, others hail Olowo at 60

. Ayorinde advocates stronger palace-government partnership

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday underscored the importance of traditional institutions in driving grassroots development, describing royal fathers as indispensable partners in governance, peacebuilding and community development.

The governor made the assertion at the diamond birthday celebration of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, held in Owo, where he called for deeper collaboration between government and traditional institutions to accelerate development across communities.

Aiyedatiwa said traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance whose influence extends beyond ceremonial responsibilities to promoting peace, preserving culture and strengthening community development.

Describing the Olowo as a monarch who embodies wisdom, vision and service, the governor said the royal father has continued to bridge the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage with the aspirations of a modern society.

“The greatness of a kingdom is sustained not merely by the splendour of its throne, but by the wisdom, character and vision of the one who occupies it,” the governor said.

He noted that the monarch’s 60th birthday celebration was not merely about age but a celebration of relevance, continuity and generational impact.

Aiyedatiwa also praised the Olowo’s distinguished public service as a former Cabinet Secretary in the Governor’s Office and Protocol, his contributions to higher education as Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State and his leadership as Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The governor appreciated the monarch’s support for his administration and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and a peaceful reign.

In his goodwill message, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, congratulated the Olowo on attaining the age of 60, describing the milestone as significant and praying for long life, divine preservation and continued peace in the kingdom.

The Ooni commended the monarch’s humility and God-fearing disposition, expressing confidence that his reign would continue to bring stability and progress.

Delivering a lecture titled “Community Development Through Cooperative Society: The Strategic Role of the Palace,” the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, advocated greater utilisation of traditional institutions in driving grassroots development through cooperative societies.

According to him, development initiatives succeed better when communities are actively involved, noting that top-down programmes often fail because they lack local ownership.

He described the palace as a reservoir of trust and social capital capable of mobilising citizens for economic growth, investment, employment and wealth creation through well-structured cooperative societies.

Ayorinde urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence to strengthen community participation in development, stressing that the palace should serve as the convener while cooperatives become effective instruments for grassroots transformation.

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, and other dignitaries praised the monarch, describing him as a strong advocate of culture, tradition, due process and development.

Takuro said the monarch, fondly described as divinely preserved at 60, commended his commitment to peace and state development, as well as his leadership of the Ondo State Council of Obas in promoting security and welfare collaboration.

On his part, the Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, described the celebrant as a close friend who had managed the traditional council effectively, praying for many years in sound health.

Also speaking, the Oluoke of Okeigbo, Akintoye Adeoye, said Olowo’s leadership of the Council of Obas had been exemplary, describing him as brilliant, charming and highly effective.

Former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, said the monarch’s reign had brought peace and stability, praying for greater milestones ahead.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusola; APC State Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; Commissioners Engr. Johnson Alabi and Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; former Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; and Mr Kola Ademujimi; Chief Imam of Owo, Alhaji Sheikh Yunus Anola; former CAN Chairman, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor; traditional rulers; permanent secretaries; among others.