..SAYS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION MUST EVOLVE WITHOUT LOSING IDENTITY

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has charged traditional rulers in the state to lead efforts to preserve Yoruba culture, promote indigenous industries and uphold traditional values among the younger generation.

Aiyedatiwa gave the charge on Tuesday while declaring open a three-day workshop for traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure.

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was themed, “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”

The governor said globalisation and digital transformation posed threats to the preservation of the Yoruba language, traditions, cultural values and moral ethics.

He urged the monarchs to promote values such as honesty, hard work and respect among youths, stressing that traditional institutions had remained central to governance, peace and order in Yorubaland before the advent of modern democratic structures.

Aiyedatiwa described traditional rulers as the closest authorities to the people, custodians of history and heritage, first-line conflict resolvers and the moral compass of their communities.

He said, “The traditional institution must evolve with changing realities without losing its sacred identity.”

The governor added that no government policy, regardless of how well-crafted, could achieve meaningful and lasting success at the grassroots without the support, counsel and leadership of traditional rulers.

Aiyedatiwa urged the monarchs to prioritise dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land boundary and chieftaincy disputes as well as inter-community conflicts.

He said peace remained a prerequisite for development, adding that his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, while collaborating with federal security agencies.

The governor also urged traditional rulers to use their local networks, hunters and community associations to gather intelligence, identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing.

On development, Aiyedatiwa urged the monarchs to facilitate access to land for agriculture and industrial investment, promote education, discourage youth restiveness and support primary healthcare and sanitation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the traditional institution, promising continued recognition and involvement of monarchs in major policy decisions affecting local administration.

Describing the partnership between government and traditional rulers as “an indispensable alliance for progress,” the governor said the workshop was designed to equip the monarchs with contemporary skills in conflict management, security cooperation, legal frameworks and community administration.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the initiative was part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the traditional institution.

Takuro said Aiyedatiwa had consistently demonstrated commitment to the programme, adding that the attendance of the monarchs reflected their dedication to the peace and development of the state.

He said the workshop would expose the traditional rulers to modern approaches to dispute resolution, inter-community harmony, crime detection and collaboration with security agencies, while also equipping them to promote grassroots economic investment and protect the state’s cultural heritage.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended the governor for organising the workshop.

Ogunoye said the programme demonstrated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to equipping traditional rulers to effectively perform their responsibilities.

He also commended the governor for supporting the traditional institution through the distribution of new vehicles to monarchs, completion of the Oba’s House and approval of five per cent of local government revenue for the care of the traditional institution.

The monarch said the workshop would establish minimum expectations for traditional rulers while providing an opportunity for them to update their knowledge and improve their performance.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, said he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing a seminar of such magnitude.

He commended the governor for organising the programme, describing traditional rulers as custodians of culture and saying they stood to benefit substantially from the workshop.

Also speaking, the Kalasue of Apoi in Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Sunday Amusehan, said he had not witnessed such a gathering since his enthronement about nine years ago.

Amusehan said the workshop would enable traditional rulers to exchange views on traditions, customs and culture, compare practices across communities and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Taiwo Adeniji, described the workshop as timely, given the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes, preserving cultural heritage and supporting security agencies in crime prevention.

He assured the monarchs of the command’s continued collaboration through regular engagements, information sharing and community-oriented policing initiatives.