Community News
Aiyedatiwa ends years of disputes, presents staff of office to Ondo traditional ruler
Written By: Adedotun Ajayi
31 Aug 2025 03:09 AM
After years of protracted legal battles and decades of chieftaincy disputes, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday finally presented the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, as the Alale of Akungba in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.Ondo cultural tours
The governor, who performed the presentation in Akungba, said the recognition of Oba Adu was the culmination of a long-drawn struggle for justice and the restoration of peace in the university town.
“It is only logical to allow His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, who obtained favourable judgments at all levels of the judicial process, to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play, equity, and justice,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
The governor explained that although it was the turn of the Olugbade Ruling House to produce the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, the government had to act in line with existing court rulings that validated Adu’s claim.
He stressed that the government remained neutral in all chieftaincy matters, assuring that the decision was not an endorsement of one ruling house over another but a step to reconcile the warring factions within the Ole Ruling House.
Appealing for calm, he urged the Olugbade Ruling House to exercise patience. “This is not an expression of the government’s preference for any ruling house whatsoever, but an action taken in the overall best interest of peace and tranquillity in Akungba community,” the governor said.
Congratulating the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa reminded him of the enormous responsibility ahead. “Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. You must see your ascension to the throne as a service to your people. The Staff of Office should be employed to strengthen peace, unity, and cohesion in your town, not to victimise perceived opponents,” he cautioned.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s developmental strides in the region, including the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare Road into a dual carriageway and flood mitigation measures. He restated the government’s directive that roadside traders along the road should move to the Atiba Market for safety reasons.
On security, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.
“Security requires the active participation of every community member rather than relying solely on government intervention,” he said.
The governor, who performed the presentation in Akungba, said the recognition of Oba Adu was the culmination of a long-drawn struggle for justice and the restoration of peace in the university town.
“It is only logical to allow His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, who obtained favourable judgments at all levels of the judicial process, to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play, equity, and justice,” Aiyedatiwa declared.
The governor explained that although it was the turn of the Olugbade Ruling House to produce the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, the government had to act in line with existing court rulings that validated Adu’s claim.
He stressed that the government remained neutral in all chieftaincy matters, assuring that the decision was not an endorsement of one ruling house over another but a step to reconcile the warring factions within the Ole Ruling House.
Appealing for calm, he urged the Olugbade Ruling House to exercise patience. “This is not an expression of the government’s preference for any ruling house whatsoever, but an action taken in the overall best interest of peace and tranquillity in Akungba community,” the governor said.
Congratulating the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa reminded him of the enormous responsibility ahead. “Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. You must see your ascension to the throne as a service to your people. The Staff of Office should be employed to strengthen peace, unity, and cohesion in your town, not to victimise perceived opponents,” he cautioned.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s developmental strides in the region, including the reconstruction of the Akungba–Ikare Road into a dual carriageway and flood mitigation measures. He restated the government’s directive that roadside traders along the road should move to the Atiba Market for safety reasons.
On security, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.
“Security requires the active participation of every community member rather than relying solely on government intervention,” he said.
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