Royal Fathers in Ondo State under the auspices of 130 Crowns Club have lauded the efforts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at restoring power to the southern Senatorial District of the state which had suffered total blackout for over ten years.
Rising for their regular meeting held at Ibaram-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government, the Traditional Rulers said in a Communique read by the Secretary of the club who is the Olu of Igbobini, Oba Raphael Oyedele applauded the governor’s move at improving security through the fencing of educational institutions, reconstruction of dilapidated and construction of new blocks of classrooms all of which would make learning environment more conducive for students and pupils.
According to a statement by Press officer to the governor, Mr Bode Akinwumi, the Obas also requested the State Government to help out on the deplorable conditions of some roads across the state and equally sustan the current peace in the state.
“We request the government to see to the improvement of our roads and provide more security to some parts of the state where kidnapping was rampant and we pray for the sustenance of the current peace being enjoyed in the state”, he said.
The communique however, appreciated the State Government for being responsive to the yearnings of traditional rulers through the interactive session the governor had with the Obas during their recent meeting in Akure.
“This noble Club is not political, not a trade union nor a pressure group. We stand as a bridge between the grassroots and the government, being the voice of the people and footsoldiers of government for the purpose of translating government’s activities to the people”, it said.
Speaking with Government House Reporters after the meeting, the President of the Club and Aladeokun of Alade, Oba Olusegun Akinbola commended the present government for its developmental projects which included sinking of boreholes to make life more meaningful for residents of the state.
He added that despite the fact that the power problem in the Southern District was inherited by the present administration in the state, the State Government has begun moves aimed at ensuring that electricity was restored to the area.
Also, the Owa-Ale of Ikare, Oba S.K Adedoyin, who is the Club’s Ex-Officio, described the Club as an integral part of government at the local level which translates government’s activities and policies to people at the grassroots.
He stressed the critical roles of traditional rulers in effective governance at various levels of government.
“Parties will come and go, government will come and go, but the Obas will always remain in their domains”, he said.
Also the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the association who is the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, said the body became necessary in view of the negative influences of western civilization on Yoruba cultural values.
Oba Odidiomo who stated that the Obas would restore the dignity of Yoruba cultural heritage, hinted that the meeting would also afford them the opportunities to deliberate on ideas that would assist them in moving their various communities forward.
Also speaking, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko and Trustee of the Club, Oba Francis Apata, commended Governor Akeredolu’s policy of presenting Staff and Instrument of Office to new Obas in their respective domains.
While describing Coronation Ceremony as an event which has to do with traditional rulership and institution, Oba Apata said whoever would rule over his people, should be presented with the Instruments of Office in his domain to enable his subjects to relish the joy of the day.
“We wholeheartedly align with Governor Akeredolu’s idea and it is a welcome and brilliant one”, he said.
On his own, the Oliyere of Iyere Kingdom who doubles as the Club’s Assistant Secretary, Oba Omotunde Alaba Adako, said the coming together of the Traditional Rulers was to be demonstrate their partnerhip with good governance adding that its synergy with the State Government would engender development across the state.
He however maintained that the Club would always render its support to the present administration towards the overall development and transformation of the Sunshine State.
The meeting hosted by the Olubaram of Ibaram, Oba Olusegun Atibioke was specially greeted by the Iyalojas and Oloris.
