Ondo State’s Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has mandated that traditional stools lacking Chieftaincy Declarations register with the state by the end of September.
The legal document that establishes the enthronement procedures for customary stools in every community is known as the Chieftaincy Declaration. The directive was given on Friday during a meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, by Mr. Aiyedatiwa in the person of his deputy, Olayide Adelami.
He stated that it had become necessary to make the choice in order to guarantee a smooth transition and prevent agitations and disputes related to the Obaship selection process. By the end of September, the governor has asked the chieftaincy committees in every local government area to make sure that, absent any pronouncement, every traditional stool under their purview has been prepared and registered.
The welfare of traditional state rulers will remain a top priority, Mr. Aiyedatiwa pledged, adding that five percent of local government funding has been granted for their benefit. In a related move, minor chiefs have received a warning from the state government not to wear traditional crowns.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, told reporters following the meeting, “Any ‘Olu’ or ‘Baale’ that put on the crown, henceforth, should be ready to face the wrath of the government.”
Mr. Takuro ordered obas to report any minor chief who disobeys the order within their area. (NAN)
