Aiyedatiwa presents staff of office to two new monarchs

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, officially conferred instruments of appointment and staff of office on two monarchs in the southern senatorial district of the state.
In a statement issued by John Paul Akinduro, Press Secretary to the Governor (Office of the Deputy Governor), he disclosed that the newly installed traditional rulers are Oba Hosea Fonghon, the Takunbe of Ipoke in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, and Oba Akinyomi John, the Laragunsin of Ode-Iyansan in Irele Local Government Area.

The ceremonies, held in the respective communities, were performed on behalf of the governor by his deputy, Olayide Adelami.
Addressing the gatherings, Adelami described the installations as a divine mandate for the development and upliftment of the communities.
“Let me remind you that your ascension to the throne is a divine call to serve your people. The interest of the community should be placed above all personal interests, and you should all see the emergence of the new king as the will of the Almighty God for your town at this moment,” he said.

The governor also counselled the monarchs on exercising restraint and prudence in their use of traditional powers, urging them to prioritise the collective interest of their subjects.
In addition, Aiyedatiwa appealed to other contenders for the stools and their supporters to set aside grievances and unite behind the newly installed kings.
He called for cooperation with security agencies to maintain peace and order in their domains.

“I thank you for the complimentary role you play by working with security agencies at the grassroots to maintain law and order in our state. I urge you to continue in this direction,” the governor stated.
The governor further expressed gratitude to the communities for their support during the 2024 governorship election and encouraged active participation in the forthcoming local government election, while emphasising the need for orderly conduct.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oladele Adesanmi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for upholding the integrity of the selection process.
He noted that the monarchs met all legal and traditional requirements stipulated in the Chieftaincy Declaration of their communities and the extant laws of Ondo State.
In their responses, the monarchs expressed gratitude to the governor for adhering to the laws governing their appointments and pledged to foster peace, unity, and development in their respective communities.