As a gesture to improve the welfare of royal fathers and strengthen the traditional institution, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given presented new vehicles to traditional rulers statewide.
He described the presentation of the royal gifts as a fulfilment of his promise to prioritise the welfare of traditional rulers and promote peace at the grassroots.
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Akure, he said the gesture demonstrated his administration’s appreciation for the unwavering support of traditional rulers, particularly in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
Further on the obas’ welfare, he noted that within his first year in office, his government had completed the long-abandoned project of constructing a befitting Secretariat for royal fathers in the state capital.
This is apart from ensuring the regular payment of the statutory five percent allocation from the Federation Account to the 18 local government areas for traditional institutions.
He said the new vehicles were “symbols of dignity, honour and respect” to enhance the efficiency of monarchs in discharging their duties.
“All Grade ‘A’ Obas in Ondo State will go home with a Toyota Fortuner Jeep, 2025 model, while all Grade ‘B and C’ Obas will later receive a Toyota Cross Jeep, 2025 model,” the Governor announced, adding that the state government bore the huge cost as a mark of respect for traditional rulers.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, described the presentation as a gesture of appreciation and recognition of the invaluable roles played by traditional rulers in promoting peace, unity, and community development.
He commended the governor for keeping his promise to improve the welfare of traditional rulers.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ondo State, Dr Gbenga Fasua, hailed the governor for his commitment to grassroots development and inclusivity.
Fasua commended the traditional rulers for their steadfast support during and after the last elections, describing them as dependable partners in governance.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Ogunoye III, commended the Governor for the gesture, describing it as a fulfilment of his promise to improve the welfare of royal fathers.
Oba Ogunoye noted that the administration had demonstrated genuine respect for traditional rulers through various interventions, adding that the move would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the government and the traditional institution.
He said the vehicles would enhance the efficiency of the royal fathers in discharging their responsibilities and improve their mobility for community development engagements.
