Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the pioneer traditional ruler of Oke-Oro in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Oba Olanrewaju Olawoye Adeyemi, officially recognising him as the Owa Adimula of Oke-Oro.
The governor also announced the official change of the community’s name from Oke Irun to Oke-Oro during the colourful installation ceremony attended by traditional rulers, political leaders and residents.
Aiyedatiwa described the occasion as a historic milestone, saying the recognition of the stool fulfilled the age-long aspiration of the people to have a recognised traditional institution.
He disclosed that the State Executive Council approved the Oke-Oro Chieftaincy Declaration on April 14, 2026, in line with the Ondo State Chieftaincy Law, 1984, as amended, after what he termed a painstaking review of the community’s request.
The governor congratulated the monarch on his ascension and expressed optimism that his reign would usher in peace, unity and development in the community.
He, however, cautioned the new monarch against misuse of traditional authority, urging him to use the office to promote harmony within the community and neighbouring towns.
Speaking on security, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, noting that the government had continued to strengthen the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies through improved funding, logistics and manpower support.
He also charged traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing useful intelligence to curb criminal activities across the state.
The governor addressed the controversy surrounding the installation, insisting that the exercise was carried out in compliance with a valid court order.
“If one court order says I should go ahead and another one is saying don’t go ahead, common sense will tell me what I ought to choose. And I have chosen this,” he said.
According to him, only the Court of Appeal has the authority to stop the process, stressing that courts of coordinate jurisdiction cannot invalidate one another’s rulings.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adeyemi thanked the governor for making the historic occasion possible, describing him as an Omoluabi.
The monarch stated that Oke-Oro has the largest land mass in Ondo State and shares boundaries with Ekiti and Supare communities, among others.
He later conferred on Governor Aiyedatiwa the traditional title of Lisa Jigan of Oke-Oro.
Earlier, Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Esan Owolabi, described the installation as the beginning of a new era for the people of Oke-Oro.
He commended the governor for approving the stool and presenting the staff of office to the monarch, saying the gesture reflected the administration’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
