FIC Report (Ondo State) – The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a committee and conducted a public hearing to address petitions and proposals on chieftaincy declarations in communities across the state.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, brought together traditional rulers, chiefs, representatives of the Ministry of Justice, and community delegates, alongside other stakeholders.
It was recalled that the state government had earlier disclosed receiving 50 proposals and over 70 petitions concerning chieftaincy declarations from various communities.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, revealed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed traditional stools without formal chieftaincy declarations to register with the government.
According to Takuro, the directive aims to streamline the process of selecting traditional rulers and prevent conflicts and agitations associated with obaship transitions in the state.
He further explained that a chieftaincy declaration serves as the legal framework for the enthronement of traditional rulers within a community.
The commissioner noted that a committee, approved by Governor Aiyedatiwa, had been set up to safeguard the traditional institution and uphold cultural practices.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to making Ondo State a model for traditional institutions in Nigeria, highlighting the governor’s respect for and dedication to the traditional stool.
“However, over the years, there have been numerous litigations and disputes concerning traditional institutions, which necessitated this intervention to reduce the number of legal battles associated with chieftaincy matters,” he said.
Takuro pointed out that the lack of acceptable chieftaincy declarations often leads to disputes within communities, causing prolonged vacancies in traditional stools.
“Chieftaincy declaration is a document that emanates from a community, and every son and daughter of that community has a right to participate in its formulation. It outlines the succession plan for the traditional institution.
“We discovered that litigations in succession plans have left some stools vacant for as long as ten, seventeen, or even twenty years. To us as a government, this is unacceptable. Our traditional rulers have significant roles to play in the growth and development of the state, and there should not be a vacuum. Enshrining a king should not take more than six months.
“In view of this, the governor directed that chieftaincy declarations with disputes should be reviewed. Communities without declarations should draft and submit the necessary documents for review and recommendation to the State Executive Council for approval,” he explained.
Speaking at the hearing, the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, lauded the initiative, expressing confidence in the process and its potential for positive outcomes.
“I believe that with the calibre of people here and the current administration, we are expecting good results from this process,” he stated.
Similarly, Oba Adeolu Olusabola Friday, the Olora of Ora in Ajowa Akoko, described the exercise as a welcome development, noting its capacity to address long-standing issues in chieftaincy matters across the state.
“Due process is needed to become a king, and this must be documented and implemented,” he remarked.
Signed
AKINBIOLA FUNMILAYO
(HOC) AKURE INFORMATION CENTRE)
