By Opeyemi Adelakun
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged traditional rulers in the state to take the lead in preserving Yoruba heritage, promoting indigenous industries and instilling traditional values in younger generations.
Aiyedatiwa gave the charge on Tuesday while opening a three-day workshop for traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the workshop was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and themed, “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
The governor expressed concern that globalisation and digital transformation were threatening the preservation of the Yoruba language, traditions, cultural values and moral ethics.
According to the statement, Aiyedatiwa urged the Obas to lead efforts to preserve Yoruba heritage, promote indigenous industries and instil traditional values, particularly honesty, hard work and respect, in the youth
He said traditional institutions had remained the bedrock of governance, law, peace and order across Yoruba land long before the advent of modern democratic structures.
The governor described traditional rulers as the closest authorities to the people, custodians of history and heritage, first-line conflict resolvers and the moral compass of their communities.
According to the statement, Aiyedatiwa said, “The traditional institution must evolve with changing realities without losing its sacred identity,” noting that no government policy, however well crafted, could achieve meaningful and lasting success at the grassroots without the active support, counsel and leadership of traditional rulers.
The governor urged the monarchs to prioritise dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land and boundary disputes, chieftaincy disputes and inter-community friction, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for development.
On security, Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, and collaborate with federal security agencies.
According to the statement, the governor urged traditional rulers to utilise their local networks, hunters and community associations for intelligence gathering, identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing partnerships.
He also described traditional rulers as vital partners in sustainable development, urging them to facilitate access to land for agriculture and industrial investment, encourage education, discourage youth restiveness and promote primary healthcare and sanitation.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the traditional institution, promising continued recognition, honour and involvement of monarchs in major policy formulation affecting local administration.
According to the statement, the governor described the partnership between government and the traditional institution as “an indispensable alliance for progress.”
He said the three-day workshop, the first of its kind in the state, was designed to equip traditional rulers with contemporary tools in conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the initiative was conceived by the administration as part of efforts to strengthen the traditional institution.
Takuro said Aiyedatiwa had consistently demonstrated commitment to the programme, adding that the attendance of the monarchs showed their dedication to the peace and progress of the state.
According to him, the workshop would equip the traditional rulers with contemporary tools for local dispute resolution, inter-community harmony, crime detection and stronger collaboration with security agencies, while helping them drive grassroots economic investment and protect the state’s cultural heritage.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, described the workshop as the first of its kind, saying it demonstrated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to equipping traditional rulers to perform their responsibilities effectively.
Ogunoye commended the governor for supporting the traditional institution, particularly through the distribution of brand-new vehicles to monarchs, completing the Oba’s House, which had remained under construction under successive administrations, and approving five per cent of local government revenue for the care of the traditional institution.
He said the workshop would establish minimum expectations for traditional rulers while providing an opportunity to renew their knowledge and improve their performance.
According to the statement, the monarch assured the governor of the continued prayers and support of the traditional institution, saying the monarchs had witnessed his efforts towards the development of the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, said he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing such a seminar and commended the governor for organising the programme.
He described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and said they stood to gain substantially from the workshop.
Also speaking, the Kalasue of Apoi in Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof Sunday Amusehan, said he had not witnessed such a gathering since his enthronement about nine years ago.
He said the workshop would enable traditional rulers to exchange views on traditions, customs and culture, compare practices across communities and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Mr Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Taiwo Adeniji, described the workshop as timely, given the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes, preserving cultural heritage and supporting security agencies in crime prevention.
He assured the monarchs that the command would continue to strengthen collaboration with them through regular engagements, information sharing and community-oriented policing initiatives.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Olusegun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; political appointees; Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon Gbenga Fasua, among other dignitaries.
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