Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Ajana of Afa of Oke-Agbe, Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin, Okeladeokin Arole Agba 1.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the presentation around 1:45 pm on Thursday during a ceremony at the frontage of Ajana Afa Palace in Oke-Agbe, headquarters of Akoko North-West Local government Area of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa congratulated the people of the community on the peaceful selection of their new monarch, extolling the historical importance of the Ajana stool.
The Ajana stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Oladunjoye Fajana in February 2023.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “I commend the kingmakers for their sincere and invaluable roles in the emergence of the new monarch.
“This demonstrates their commitment to the welfare and development of Afa, Oke-Agbe.
“While we strive to promote and enhance the position of our traditional rulers, it is expected that the government’s efforts will be reciprocated through actions that support and complement our initiatives.”
The governor, therefore, urged the new Ajana, Oba Mofolorunso Arasanyin to use his position to foster unity, peace and development within his domain.
He added that the significance of traditional institutions in mobilizing communities for positive development is immeasurable.
Assuring the people of his determination to impact on the lives of the people across the three senatorial districts of the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that his administration is going into partnership with the World Bank to build facilities in 203 wards of the State to support primary healthcare delivery to the people at the grassroots.
He emphasised that the World Bank-sponsored project, which has the counterpart funding from the state government, would take healthcare delivery closer to rural dwellers and reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities in the state.
“The new facilities in the 203 wards will complement the primary health centres across the 18 local government areas of the State,” he said.
The governor further revealed that the funds needed for the project have been deployed and contractors have been assembled for the implementation stage.
He added other efforts to improve the health sector, including the ongoing recruitment of health workers, are ongoing.
Governor Aiyedatiwa seized the forum to also reeled out some of the efforts of his administration, including the ongoing recruitment of teachers, support for farmers, enhancing security, improving infrastructure and promoting the welfare of workers.
Having received the staff and instrument of office, the newly installed Ajana Afa of Oke-Agbe, Oba Mofolorunso Samuel Adegboyega Arasanyin, expressed his heart-felt gratitude to the governor and the State Executive Council for their support for his appointment as a “Grade A” Oba (First Class Monarch)
He described the appointment as a significant achievement, pledging to work collaboratively with the community to harness its cultural, social and economic potentials.
“May I also use this opportunity to inform His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa about our forthcoming Oke-Agbe Akoko Community Centenary Anniversary. This monumental event will come up on 30th November, 2024,” the monarch said.
Earlier in his remark, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, explained that the coronation ceremony was expedited due to the prompt and decisive actions of Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose intervention played a crucial role in the process.
In his goodwill message, Otunba Solomon Oladunni, the Asiwaju of Oke-Agbe, tthanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support in the selection process and its successful outcome, promising that the people of the community would mobilise and vote for the Governor in the coming election.
However, the Afa Community Youths presented an Award of Honour to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the occasion as “The Most accessible youthful Governor of our time” base on youths inclusiveness in his governance.
The award which was presented by Afa community Youths spokesperson, Comrade Bakare Ibrahim Makonjuola (Abobo).
According to him, Aiyedatiwa is the only Governor who sees the deficiency in youths involvement in politics and felt there should be a link through which they can access him as the Governor. This made him to appoint SSA youth, SSA student, SSA youth empowerment and Commissioner for Youth.
Otunba Oladunni and the Chairman of the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, later hosted the Governor and his entourage to reception at their private residences at Oke-Agbe.