BARELY 48 hours to the expiration of the present administration in Ondo state, were two new traditional rulers in the state, the Alele of Akungba-Akoko, Oba Isaac Adeyeye and the Olurese of Irese, Oba Babatunde Falegan on Thursday presented with staff of office by the state government.
Speaking during the presentation, the state commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Sola Atere, said the approval of the memo on the selection of the monarchs by the State Executive Council, was in line with the decision of administration not to meddle in the selection of any traditional ruler.
Atere said a total of 28 traditional rulers have been installed by the outgoing administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko in the last eight years.
Atere maintained that all the monarchs installed by outgoing government were not imposed but the choices of the people and communities saying the steps were taken to give room to the choice of the people and to avoid crisis over Chieftaincy stools.
He stressed further that the government initiated broad consultations and reconciliation processes amongst contending groups and individuals before the emergence of the two new kings.
He said, “it is gratifying to mention that this administration has an unprecedented record of appointment and installation of the highest numbers of monarchs.
“All these monarchs were not in any way imposed by the state government. All the kings installed by the government were the choices of their own people and towns”
He appealed to the new monarchs to extends hands of fellowship to other contestants, saying, “All misgivings and differences before during and after selection and appointments of the two monarchs must be shunned”.
The two monarchs however promised to contribute their quota to the development of their communities with a pledged to work hand in hand with the new government to bring meaningful development to their domains.
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