A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Otunba Sola Olatunji has commended Ondo State White Paper on Chieftaincy matters released last week by the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led government saying it is the best way to develop the various communities and kingdom in the state.
Addressing the press last week, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, said that Governor Akeredolu was ready to implement report of the Justice Ajama Panel to look into Chieftaincy Matters in the state which was submitted eight years ago.
Olatunji who is also the Chairman of the socio-cultural group, Ikale Heritage Development Association, advised the State and Federal governments to make funds available for the traditional institutions in Nigeria in order to curb the menace of terrorists and bandits stressing that the traditional rulers know their terrains and can devise suitable security architecture to address insecurity.
“The IHDA congratulates Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on the white paper released on Hon Justice C.E.T Ajama Judicial commission of inquiry on Chieftaincy matters in Ondo State recently,” Olatunji said while lauding the efforts of the governor and his government. It is obvious that the newly created kingdoms will be able to collaborate with government effectively well because each traditional ruler will be accountable to government within his own kingdom.
“This liberalism philosophy will promote inclusion, peace and stability. In my view, our traditional rulers should not view the actions of government as a deliberate attempt to whittle down the power of certain traditional rulers but attempt to make our traditional institution collaborate effectively with government to deliver on her mandate.”
Olatunji also used the occasion to congratulate traditional rulers in Ondo State especially those from the South Senatorial Zone, in particular, Okitipupa and the newly created Erekiti Luwoye kingdom.
Among the traditional rulers elevated from Grade B Monarch to Grade A were Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, Akoko Northeast local government, Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Alale of Akungba, Akoko South West.
Those elevated in Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore were Okiti of Iju, Ogbolu of Ita-ogbolu, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin, Olujare of Ijare, Olowa of Igbara-Oke.
In Ondo South, the traditional seat that got uplifted were Oluoke of Okeigbo, Maporure of Agerige, Eletikan of Etikan, Ahaba of Ajagba, Odogbo of Omiland, Larogbo of Akotogbo, Orunja of Odigbo, Halu of Ode-Aye, Orungberuwa of Erinje.
Others were the Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo, Olupele of Ipele, Elemure of Emure-Ile, Olumoru of Imoru and Olute of Ute.