By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has pledged that his administration would continue to strive to promote, enhance the position of traditional rulers.

Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Wednesday, while presenting the staff of office to the new Ajana Afa of Oke-Agbe, HRM. Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin.

The Stool of Ajana became vacant on 12th February, 2023 following the demise of Oba (Dr) Oladunjoye Fajana.

While rejoicing with the new monarch on this well-deserved appointment, the Governor reminded him that his appointment is a divine call to serve his people.

“You must, as usual, continue to exercise restraints and caution in the use of the traditional authority and powers which are being conferred on you today with the formal presentation of the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office. The instrument should be employed to strengthen the peace and cohesion of your domain and not to be used to hound or victimise perceived opponents or adversaries. The unity of your people is your strength and this should be explored for the socioeconomic uplifting of your community”.

The Governor appealed to the other contenders and their followers to rally round the new king and forget the rivalry and acrimony that heralded the selection process, adding that the interest of the Afa, Oke-Agbe Community should be placed above every personal interest and they should all see the emergence of the new king as the will of God for their town under the circumstances.

Speaking on security issue, the Governor noted that the State Government is continually committing enormous resources to strengthening the Amotekun Corps in terms of equipment and human resources, stressing that this is in addition to funding other security agencies in the State through regular logistical supports.

“This government cannot tolerate a situation where our citizens cannot conduct their daily businesses in a safe environment. Government, however, needs your support and co-operation to make this possible”.

He urged the people to be sensitive to strange movements/acts around them to enable the government combat the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity on the highways and communities.

According to the Governor, through the instrumentality of traditional administration, royal fathers, should continue to play their roles as major stakeholders in the security of their various communities and assist the security agents in intelligence gathering to curb the menace of insecurity in the State.

The Governor further reiterate the commitment of the State Government to the provision of basic infrastructure and amenities for the people of the State.

He informed the new Kabiyesi and other revered Obas that the State Government will not allow or tolerate any form of “expansionist tendency” by any traditional ruler under any guise. “Every Oba in the State should, therefore, refrain from appointing or installing minor chiefs outside his jurisdiction, particularly in disputed areas”.

As the gubernatorial election draws near, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged parents to should warn their children not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs by mercenaries who usually parade fake credentials to hoodwink innocent electorate.

Earlier in his address, the Asiwaju of Oke-Agbe, Otunba Solomon Oladunni appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his approval in the selection process and its outcome, culminating in the ratification process by Ondo State Executive Council.

While felicitating with the Afa people, Oladunni congratulated the new monarch on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, he also commended him for his resilience, wisdom, courage, compassion and hardwork.

In his reaction, the new Ajana Afa of Oke-Agbe, HRM, Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa and the members of the State Executive Council for approving and ratifying his appointment as a “Grade A” Oba, describing it as a remarkable accomplishment.

The Monarch said that “with your cooperation and that of the entire community, we will work towards harnessing the cultural, social and economic potentials of the community to enhance the quality of life and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people “.

The event held at the palace of the Ajana Afa of Oke-Agbe had in attendance; Members of the State Executive Council, member, representing Akoko North East/ North West in the federal constituency, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Traditional rulers from Akoko,as well as the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, among other eminent personalities.