By Asaye Bankole
The Ondo State Government has maintained that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has never interfered in the selection and emergence of traditional rulers across the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, stated this during the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to the pioneer Ekigbade of Bolorunduro, Oba Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinnifesi.
The ceremony, held in Ondo East Local Government Area, marked the formal installation of the monarch following the state government’s approval of his emergence.
Speaking at the event, Takuro dismissed suggestions of government interference in the selection process, insisting that the emergence of the new monarch was determined by the people of Bolorunduro.
“Let me also make it loud and clear. The governor of Ondo State has never for once interfered in the emergence of any Obaship candidate in Ondo State. He has always said that the interest of the people should be our interest,” the commissioner said.
He added that the emergence of Oba Akinnifesi was neither manipulated by the governor nor the state government but was the outcome of the community’s decision.
Takuro further explained that the ministry was implementing the governor’s directive to ensure that vacant traditional stools across the state were filled in accordance with the law.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new monarch to use his traditional authority to promote peace, unity and sustainable development in Bolorunduro.
The governor cautioned the monarch against using his position to victimise individuals or groups perceived as opponents, stressing that the instrument of appointment and staff of office should serve as tools for strengthening peace and cohesion within the community.
He also appealed to the people of Bolorunduro, particularly members of the five ruling houses, to put aside disagreements associated with the selection process and support the new monarch.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the Ekigbade stool was among the newly recognised traditional chieftaincies under Part One of the Ondo State Chiefs Law, following the government’s approval of recommendations made by the Justice C. E. T. Ajama Commission of Inquiry into chieftaincy matters.
According to the governor, the stool became vacant following the death of the immediate past Oloja of Bolorunduro, Chief Johnson Eniola Akinlosotu Johnson, in September 2021.
He said efforts to fill the vacant stool had encountered several disagreements, some of which resulted in litigation.
However, a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyilemi, eventually resolved that five ruling houses should be recognised, drawing from the founding families of the community, with contributions from the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom.
The governor noted that because the Ekigbade stool was newly recognised, it had no registered chieftaincy declaration. Consequently, the community’s native law and customs guided the selection process.
He disclosed that representatives of the town’s 10 quarters, serving as kingmakers, unanimously selected Professor Akinnifesi from the Akinyefesi family on April 17, 2026.
The selection was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Executive Council on September 7, 2026, after the government confirmed that the process complied with the relevant provisions of the state’s Chiefs Law.
Aiyedatiwa commended the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, and the local government chairman for their contributions to the successful emergence of the monarch.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state, urging traditional rulers and community members to cooperate with security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The governor specifically charged the new monarch to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to relevant security authorities.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinnifesi expressed appreciation to the governor for recognising the traditional institution and formally presenting him with the staff of office.
The monarch pledged to provide peaceful, inclusive and development-oriented leadership, while acknowledging the contributions of God, the Osemawe, his family and the five founding families of Bolorunduro.
He also appealed to the state government to address the community’s longstanding challenges, particularly the lack of electricity and access to potable water.
Oba Akinnifesi called on investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, real estate, tourism and industrial development in the community.
He equally urged Bolorunduro indigenes living within and outside Nigeria to unite and contribute to the town’s progress.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described traditional rulers as important partners in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes and mobilising residents for grassroots development.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the appointment and acknowledged his administration’s development efforts.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Ondo State APC Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu; Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, Otunba Ade Adeniyi; local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other prominent personalities.
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