The Ondo state government has warned community chiefs against parading themselves as traditional rulers in their area without adhering to the due process of selection, approval, installation, and presentation of instruments of office by the state government.
The government also warned traditional rulers against extending their influence and authority beyond their domains as an expression of expansionist tendencies, noting this could jeopardise the peace and well-being of the people.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, who read out the riot act, said the state government will not hesitate to drag such offenders to court, saying such a person risks spending the rest of his life in prison.
Speaking during the official presentation of Instrument appointments and staff to Oba Oluwasegun Joseph Adetuwo, the Olu of Igodan-LLisa, Oba Olugbemi Sewo, the Oloto/Olura of Igbinsin Oloto, and Oba Temidayo Owoyele, the Olikan of Etikan in Okitipupa and Ilaje Local Governments, respectively.
The commissioner maintained that the state government valued the peace and harmony that existed within these communities and said no society would develop without peace, warning against any breach of peace over the traditional stool.
He enjoined princes and ruling houses to always accept the verdict of the Kingmakers, saying it is only God that enthrones Kings, while he appealed to the kingmakers to be neutral and pick rulers according to the tradition of the community or land.
He commended the Ijama and kingmakers of Igodan—Lisa, Igbinsin Oloto, and Etikan—for their sincere and invaluable roles in the hitch-free emergence of the traditional rulers in the areas.
He urged the monarchs to see their appointment as a divine call to serve the people and to exercise restraint and caution in the use of the authority and powers conferred on them.
