Ondo state governor Lucky Ayedatiwa has cautioned petty chiefs, including Baales and Olus, not to wear crowns.
Aiyedatiwa stated that any petty chiefs, Baales, and Olus who disobeyed his instructions would face consequences.He stated that the crown must be respected.
At a meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, the Ondo governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami, ordered Traditional Stools in the state that did not have Chieftaincy Declarations to develop one and register it by September 30, 2024.
He stated that such registration was a tactic to facilitate a smooth transition and put a stop to the unrest and tussles involved with the Obaship selection process.
The Governor tasked each local government’s chieftaincy committee with ensuring that all Stools within their jurisdiction that had not been declared were registered by September 30.
Aiyedatiwa committed to continue prioritising the wellbeing of the state’s Traditional Rulers.
The Obas commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking steps to put a stop to Obaship disputes.
They claimed there were stools in the state that had survived for more than 60 years without Chieftaincy Declarations.
Ondo Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, advised the Obas to report any Minor Chief in their area who dared to wear the Crown.
Bottom Line
By cautioning subordinate chiefs against wearing crowns, the governor wants to preserve the established hierarchy within the traditional leadership structure.
Crowns are symbolic of higher authority and respect, traditionally reserved for recognized Obas.
This measure ensures that the distinction and reverence associated with different levels of chieftaincy are maintained.
