Sam Philip
The governor, Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, as the new Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Aiyedatiwa approved the appointment on Thursday during a special meeting of the Council at the Obas’ Secretariat at Alagbaka, Akure as the leadership of the Council under the Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, completed its tenure.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the contributions of the outgoing leadership of the Council, commending the Deji of Akure for supporting his administration.
He said: “It is imperative to commend the outgoing Chairman of the Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Adelusi, Odundun II, for providing transformative leadership for the Council in the last two years.
“Kabiyesi, you have demonstrated capacity, love, and ingenuity in handling matters affecting the development of the State. I thank you for your selfless service and unwavering dedication.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who reeled out some of the achievements of his administration during tenure of the outgoing Council, said: “We made significant progress in addressing long-standing chieftaincy matters through the diligent implementation of the Ondo State White Paper on the Hon. Justice C.E.T. Ajama Judicial Commission of Inquiry. This included the important elevation of many existing stools and the upgrading or recognition of some minor chieftaincies.
“Before this milestone achievement, our administration had earlier abolished the class of Grade ‘D’ Obas in the State, thereby elevating all Obas in that category to Grade ‘C’ automatically.”
He stated that his administration also ensures the implementation of the 5 percent statutory allocation of the local governments for traditional rulers.
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, “This landmark decision underscores our belief in the crucial role you play and our commitment to providing the necessary impetus and resources to support your noble responsibilities within your domain.
“With great satisfaction, we witnessed the completion of the Ondo State Council of Obas’ Secretariat, the construction of which started many years ago.
“This dedicated facility stands as a symbol of our love and respect for this esteemed Council and will undoubtedly provide a more conducive environment for your deliberations and administrative functions.”
Meanwhile, before the appointment of Olowo as the successor of Deji, the governor officially dissolved the 11th Council, and immediately approved the constitution of the 12th Council and announced its new leadership.
The governor said: “On this note, I hereby dissolve the 11th Council of Obas in Ondo State. I also announce my approval of the 12th Council under the Chairmanship of His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi, the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II.”
In his remarks, Oba Aladetoyinbo appreciated the governor for his support to the traditional institution in the State, which he said was unprecedented .
He disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had in the last one year acceded to almost all the requests the Obas put before him, urging him to extend such gesture to the new leadership of the Council.
In his acceptance speech, the Olowo of Owo thanked the governor for the appointment, promising to build on the productive relationship between the Council and the government.
Oba Ajibade commended the leadership style of Governor Aiyedatiwa, his model of governance and the many achievements he has recorded since becoming governor.
