At separate events on Friday, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, presented the instruments of appointment and staff of office to two kings in the southern senatorial district of the state.
The monarchs are Oba Hosea Fonghon who became the new Takunbe of Ipoke in Ese-Odo local government area while Oba Akinyomi John was installed as the Laragunsin of Ode-Iyansan in Irele local government area.
Performing the official ceremonies at the two towns, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, called on the new monarchs to consider their installation as a divine call for the upliftment of their people.
He said, “Let me remind you that your ascension to the throne is a divine call to serve your people. The interest of the community should be placed above all personal interests and you should all see the emergence of the new king as the will of the Almighty God for your town at this moment”
The governor seized the moment to admonish the monarchs to exercise restraints and caution in the use of traditional authority and powers.
He appealed to the other contenders for the stools and their followers to rally the new kings and put behind them, the rivalry and acrimony that attended the selection process, charging them to cooperate with security operatives in their domains.
“I thank you for the complimentary role you play by working with security agencies at the grassroots to maintain law and order in our state. I urge you to to continue in this direction” the governor said to the monarchs.
While thanking them for the overwhelming support in the 2024 governorship election in the state, the governor urged the people to participate actively in this Saturday’s local government election and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
Remarking earlier, the permanent secretary in the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Oladele Adesanmi, thanked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the sanctity of the selection process, adding that the new monarchs fulfilled all the provisions of the Cheiftaincy Declaration of their communities and the extant chief laws of Ondo state.
In showing appreciation, the monarchs pledged to bring peace, unity and equitable development to their towns. They appreciated the state governor for abiding by the laws, and coming to make the official presentations.
John Paul Akinduro,
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
January 17, 2025