No fewer than six traditional rulers from different parts of the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State have been presented instruments and staff of office.
The events held separately on Thursday and Friday.
The new traditional rulers included Chief Oyelowo Joseph Oyetunde (Apeerin of Saki); Prince James Okanlawon Adigun (Lasigbon-Kinnikinni of Saki); Alhaji Jimoh Adeola Ayiki (Baale Oke-Oro) and Alhaji Raimi Aiki Boorepo – (Baale-Iya of Saki).
Others are Oba Abiodun Oyerinde Owolabi (Onibise of Ibise-Otu); and Chief Thomas Opoola Olaore (Baale of Komu).
Presenting the staff of Office to the monarchs, Governor Seyi Makinde charged the new traditional rulers to work with their subjects for the development of Oke-Ogun.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, the governor enjoined the traditional rulers to be accommodating, tolerant and diligent in their day-to-day administration of their domains while urging the subjects to rally round them.
He informed the government was taking the bull by the horn on matters relating to insecurity, land grabbing and illegal mining in the axis.
The governor hinted that security of lives and property was a collective responsibility, saying all hands must be on deck, urging residents “when you see something, say something”.
His words: “It is a great pleasure to present the instrument of office to the newly installed traditional rulers and to address this august gathering briefly on the occasion.
“By the death of former holders of the various Chieftaincy titles at various times of the calendar years, the various Royal stools of Baale Oke – Oro of Saki, Baale Iya of Saki, Apeerin of Saki and Lasigbon of Saki which are recognised chieftaincies under the chiefs’ law called for nomination and appointment of candidates from their various royal families to fill the vacant positions.
“I urge you to work together as one indivisible entity for the progress and development of your various town and also, the security and well-being of the people living in these various communities must be paramount because without the people, the community can not stand.
“I want to make it known that this administration accords traditional institution a pride of place in the scheme of things. Our traditional rulers are held in high esteem and their welfare and well-being are being accorded priority also”, he said.
The commissioner, however, appealed to every citizen, including the newly installed traditional rulers to cooperate with the state government for the successful implementation of its programmes.
“On this note, I have the greatest pleasure to present the Instrument of Office which is the symbol of Authority to the traditional rulers”, he said.
In their separate addresses, the Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Sarafadeen Omirinde and his counterpart at Itesiwaju Local Government, Ojo Akintola, appreciated the governor for putting their local governments into consideration by approving installation of the traditional rulers.
They stated that traditional institution played vital roles in ensuring maximum security of lives and properties of their subjects.
The duo equally urged the traditional rulers to join hands with the state and local governments to eradicate the menace of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling ravaging the communities in recent times.
According to them “It is pertinent to be at peace with other surrounding communities in order to achieve success in the area of security and better development.”
