Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has presented the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to the new Olupele of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of the State, Oba Aganun Victor Olusegun.
Governor Akeredolu congratulated the new Monarch on both his ascension to the throne and the elevation of the stool of Olupele of Ipele to a first class monarch.
The Governor said the recent upgrade of Traditional rulers across the State should not bring any quarrel.
He urged the Traditional rulers to restrict their reign to their domain only, stressing that the idea of any monarch extending his territory to other areas outside his domain will not be allowed.
Arakunrin Akeredolu, who noted that his administration is not afraid to take decisions, said his government will look into the issue of paramountcy and do it.
He said: ”Those areas where we have to elevate our Obas, I mentioned it that it might be necessary for us to have paramount rulers. We will do it. We are not afraid to do it.”
Governor Akeredolu implored the Olupele to assume the position of a father to all the people in his domain.
“Furthermore, I encourage you to accommodate everyone in your community, bearing in mind that the responsibility to lead Ipele to its next level of socio-economic development has been placed on your shoulders.
“In the same vein, I implore the people of Ipele to ensure that Kabiyesi’s reign is significantly peaceful and successful. His success depends greatly on your loyalty, co-operation and support,” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu reiterated that his administration will continue to maintain dignified neutrality in the process of selecting Obas, saying it is absolutely the responsibility of the people.
He restated that his administration will continue to do its best to make life more meaningful and worthwhile for the people of the Sunshine State through the provision of basic social amenities and infrastructural development in line with the REDEEMED mantra.
“I also want to enjoin all our royal fathers not to relent in their support for the various levels of government in the State, most especially on security issue which has become a major threat to the country.
“Security issues should not be left in the hands of government alone. Collective efforts are needed to combat these problems and other criminal acts so as to reduce them to the barest minimum in our State.
“It is on this strength that I recently approved the recruitment of about 350 able-bodied men into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen the security apparatus in the State.
“This is separate from the recruitment of 20 able-bodied men for each of the 18 Local Government Areas to fortify security apparatus at the Local Government level.
“All these are put in place to provide complementary assistance to the other security agencies in our State. I should also not fail to mention the new slogan of the State that “If you see something, you must say something.”
“Our people must be proactive in the area of security to rid the State of sundry criminals, bandits and terrorists,” Governor Akeredolu said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Akinwumi Sowore, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for always ensuring peaceful selection and appointment of monarchs to fill vacant stools across the state.
The Chairman, Planning Committee of Olupele Coronation, Pastor Akin Asaniyan, lauded the courage of the Governor on the upgrade of some traditional rulers including Olupele to the status of First Class, describing the development as unprecedented in the history of the state.
Speaking after his installation, the new Olupele of Ipele, Oba Victor Olusegun Aganun, commended the Governor for his giant infrastructure strides across the state and for elevating the status of Olupele of Ipele to Grade A.
The new Olupele said the sons, daughters and friends of Ipele kingdom are indeed grateful to Governor Akeredolu for his magnanimity.
The event was attended by some members of the State Executive Council led by the Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale.
Also at the event were traditional rulers including the Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu Owo; Elemure of Emure; Olupemen of Upemen; Oluso of Uso; among others.
Others at the event included the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly and APC candidate for Owo constituency 1, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; APC Candidate for Ondo North Senatorial District, Engr. Jide Ipinsagba; APC candidate for Akoko Southwest/SouthEast Federal Constituency, Asiwaju Gboyega Adefarati, and the APC candidate for Owo Constituency 2, Mrs Witherspoon Renike, and others.
