By Ayodele Oni
Traditional Rulers in Ondo State have expressed joy as the government organized three days workshop for them, with a theme “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the workshop in Akure on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, described the workshop as the first of its kind, saying it demonstrate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to equipping traditional rulers to perform their responsibilities effectively.
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Oba Ogunoye commended the governor for supporting the traditional institution, particularly through the distribution of brand-new vehicles to monarchs.
Oba Ogunoye thanked the state government for completing the Oba’s House, which had remained under construction during successive administrations, and approving five per cent of local government revenue for the care of the traditional institution.
He said the workshop would establish minimum expectations for traditional rulers while providing an opportunity to renew their knowledge and improve their performance.
The monarch assured the governor of the continued prayers and support of the traditional institution, saying the monarchs have witnessed his efforts towards the development of the state.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, also stated that he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing such a seminar and commended the governor for organising the programme.
He described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and said they stand to gain 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.
He was of the view that the workshop would enable traditional rulers to exchange views on traditions, customs and culture, compare practices across communities and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.
While declaring the workshop open, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed that globalisation and digital transformation are threatening the preservation of Yoruba language, traditions, cultural values and moral ethics.
The governor urged the Obas to lead efforts to preserve Yoruba heritage, promote indigenous industries and instil traditional values, particularly honesty, hard work and respect, in the youth.
He said traditional institutions had remained the bedrock of governance, law, peace and order across Yoruba land long before the advent of modern democratic structures.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described traditional rulers as the closest authorities to the people, custodians of history and heritage, first line of conflict resolution and moral compass of their communities.
He emphasized that the traditional institution must evolve with changing realities without losing its sacred identity, noting that no government policy, however well crafted, could achieve meaningful and lasting success at the grassroots without the active support, counsel and leadership of traditional rulers.
The governor urged the monarchs to prioritise dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land boundary disputes, chieftaincy disputes and inter-community friction, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for development.
On security, he said his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) and collaborate with federal security agencies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged traditional rulers to utilise their local networks, hunters and community associations for intelligence gathering, identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing partnerships.
He also described traditional rulers as vital partners in sustainable development, urging them to facilitate access to land for agriculture and industrial investment, encourage education, discourage youth restiveness and promote primary healthcare and sanitation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the traditional institution, promising continued recognition, honour and involvement of monarchs in major policy formulation affecting local administration.
He described the partnership between government and the traditional institution as “an indispensable alliance for progress.”
The governor said the three-day workshop, the first of its kind in the state, was designed to equip traditional rulers with contemporary tools in conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced that the initiative was conceived by the administration as part of efforts to strengthen the traditional institution.
Takuro said the governor had consistently demonstrated commitment to the programme, adding that the attendance of the monarchs showed their dedication to the peace and progress of the state.
According to him, the workshop would equip them with contemporary tools for local dispute resolution, inter-community harmony, crime detection and stronger collaboration with security agencies, while helping them drive grassroots economic investment and protect the state’s cultural heritage.
