Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, has issued a stern warning to minor chiefs, including Baales and Olus, against wearing crowns, News About Nigeria reports.
Governor Ayedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami, delivered this directive during a meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, stating that any minor chief who disobeys this order will face sanctions.
Governor Ayedatiwa said it is important to respect the sanctity of the crown and announced measures to ensure proper chieftaincy processes.
He ordered all traditional stools in the state without Chieftaincy Declarations to submit and register their declarations by the end of September 2024.
This is to ensure seamless transitions and eliminate disputes and conflicts associated with the selection process of Obas.
To enforce this directive, the Governor has tasked chieftaincy committees in each local government area with ensuring that all stools within their jurisdictions without declarations are registered by the deadline.
Governor Ayedatiwa reiterated his commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers in the state, noting that five percent of the local government allocation has been approved for their welfare.
The Obas expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his proactive steps in resolving longstanding Obaship disputes, noting that some stools have existed for over 60 years without proper chieftaincy declarations.
Following the meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, reinforced the Governor’s directive.
He warned that any Olu or Baale who wears a crown without proper authorisation will face severe consequences.
Takuro urged monarchs to report any minor chief in their domain who dared to wear the crown.
