Gov. Aiyedatiwa presents staff of office to Alale of Akungba

…Pledges neutrality in chieftaincy affairs

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday officially presented the staff of office to Oba Isiaka Adu, the newly installed Alale of Akungba Akoko, in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to maintain impartiality in chieftaincy matters.

The presentation followed decades of protracted legal battles and intense disputes among ruling houses in the community, with Oba Adu securing favourable judgments at all judicial levels.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the decision to formally recognise Oba Adu was anchored on the principles of peace, equity, and justice, stressing that it should not be misconstrued as a political endorsement of any ruling house.

“It is only logical to allow Oba Isiaka Adu to enjoy the benefits of his legal victory in the best interest of fair play and communal harmony,” the governor said.

He noted that although tradition dictates that the Olugbade Ruling House should produce the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, the government is bound to act in line with the court rulings that validated Adu’s claim.

The governor called on the new monarch to approach his reign as a responsibility of service to the people, adding that the staff of office should symbolise unity, peace, and cohesion rather than fuel divisions.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, lauded the governor for upholding due process in resolving the long-standing dispute, while Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ayo Ajana, described the installation as a landmark event in the community’s history.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adu expressed deep gratitude to God and the Ondo State Government for enforcing the Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for his coronation.

He described the ceremony as the culmination of a struggle that began in 1951 with the aspirations of the Agure royal family, pledging to prioritise unity, peace, and development throughout his reign.