By Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has assured all indigenes of the state of his administration’s readiness to fill all vacant kingship positions as long as the due processes were followed.
Akeredolu made this known during the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to the newly installed Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state, Oba Lawrence Babajide at the weekend.
It would be recalled that the stool had been vacant since July 3, 2007 after the late King Timothy Fasawe joined his ancestors.
Governor Akeredolu noted that the Oke-Igbo kingship vacant stool had outlived two successive governments until today.
“It is gratifying to state that the 11 years interregnum in Okeigbo which outlived two successive administrations has today become history by dint of our administration to do the needful in the overall interest of our institutions.
“I have often pointed out that vacant chieftaincy stools are filled as a way of restoring the honour of our traditional institution and in recognition of the age-long rulership and leadership position of our revered traditional rulers in managing the affairs of communities.
“Our administration is, therefore, making sure that no community with recognised chieftaincy is left to remain without an ‘oba’,” he said.
He added that the present administration has been responding and acceding to the requests of various communities for approval for fillings of their vacant chieftaincy stools.
The Governor maintained that his administration was focused and determined to ensure that the state stood out as a model on matters of conflict resolutions on chieftaincy matters.
He lauded the selection of the newly crowned king, who, he said got 12 votes out of 14 total votes cast by kingmakers.
The Governor advised the king to shun misgiving or disaffection arising from the selection process in the interest of the town.
He enjoined all indigenes of the town to support the king in lifting up the town so that it could retain its pride in Yoruba land.
Akeredolu sought the cooperation of the Obas particularly on chieftaincy matters and security in their domain, saying “the security of your domain is your responsibilities because you know them better”.
Arakunrin Akeredolu however, assured indigenes of the town that it would not be left out in developmental projects of his administration.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deaconnes Lola Fagbemi, while congratulating the monarch, appreciated the Governor for his efforts and support to fill up the stool.
The Commissioner assured that the Akeredolu-led administration would always give its support to the town for a rapid development.
Also, Caretaker Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Mr Temidayo Akinsuroju said that the occasion was a manifestation of purposeful leadership of the Akeredolu-led administration.
He admonished everyone within the community to cooperate with one another and give the monarch the needed support towards ensuring the development of the town.
Akinsuroju thanked the state Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu for his ability to achieve what previous administrations could not achieve for many years.
Responding, the new monarch, Oba Lawrence Babajide commended the Governor for his presence and his giant strides aimed at transforming and developing the entire state.
While assuring the state government of the community’s support, he promised that his reign will usher in tremendous development of the town adding that peace will continue to reign.
He promised that he would work with everyone and assured that he would not sow any seed of discord.
At the ceremony were; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Chris Kolawole, former Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Surv Niran Akinniyi, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede among numerous others.
