Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday, advised traditional rulers in the state to use their positions to foster peace and unity among residents to improve security of lives and property.
Akeredolu gave the advice at the presentation of Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to Oba Pere Moses Uguoji, the Amanana-Owei of Biagbini in Ese – Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Akeredolu, represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, charged traditional rulers to use their office to promote peace, tranquillity and development in their communities
He said the recent upgrade of traditional rulers across the state should not be allowed to bring any misunderstanding or quarrel.
Akeredolu urged them to restrict their reign to their domain, adding that the idea of any traditional ruler extending his territory to other areas outside his domain would not be allowed by the government.
The governor also warned against expansionist tendencies by any traditional ruler under any guise, and urged them to refrain from installing minor chiefs outside their jurisdiction, particularly in disputed areas.
“See your appointment as a divine call to serve your people and always exercise restraint and caution in the use of traditional powers being conferred on you by the state government.
“The instrument should be employed to strengthen the peace and cohesion of your domain and that of the state in general.
“Also use your position to foster peace and unity among your subjects, improve the unity in your domain to rid off miscreants who may have banditry and kidnapping tendencies.
Akeredolu congratulated and rejoiced with residents and the new traditional ruler on his well-deserved recognition.
He prayed for God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the king to lead people in the right direction.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ese Odo Local Government, Mrs Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, thanked Akeredolu for upgrading the traditional ruler.
Sipasi-Aluko charged the traditional ruler to live in peace and harmony with other traditional rulers in the area.
She urged the people of the community to join hands with their king to move the community forward.
Performing the traditional coronations, Oba Pere Zacchaeus Egbunu, the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ibe, prayed for more wisdom and long life for the new king.
Rev. Gabra Jide, in his address, thanked the state governor for appointing two of the community’s sons as commissioners in the State Civil Service and permanent secretary.
In his response, Oba Uguoji, thanked Akeredolu for making a dream of 30 years a reality.
Uguoji, however, solicited for more government interventions in his domain.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stool of Amanana-Owei of Biagbini is one of the 62 chieftaincy stools recently upgraded and recognised by Akeredolu’s administration.
NAN reports that this followed the report of Justice Ajama Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Chieftaincy Matters in the state.( NAN)
