Ondo State Council of Obas has decried the arbitrary use of obaship costumes by nontraditional rulers.
This was contained in a statement by the Head, Press and Media Relations Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Bisi Agboola.
At their monthly meeting held in Akure on Thursday, they resolved to take the issue as a serious matter.
Chairman of the council, who is also the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh who spoke on behalf of other obas, observed with dismay that the paraphernalia of office meant for obaship institution have been hijacked and are now found with some nontraditional rulers.
He described the trend as obnoxious and a desecration of the royal institution.
The council specifically reported that the regalia of obas are now being worn by various people including some religious leaders, cult leaders and self-styled traditional rulers.
Such paraphanelia for obas in this regard include crown, beaded staff of office, peculiar beads and other costumes noted for an oba.
The royal fathers held that the development has not only become worrisome but is also a clear violation of the laws of Ondo state bordering on impersonation as entrenched in section 18(2) of the Ondo State Chiefs Law encapsulated in year 2006 Laws of Ondo State.
It stipulates that”Any person who commits an offence under the section shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term of six months.”
While calling on those involved in such criminal act to desist forthwith, the council resolved to formally intimate the state as well as relevant security agencies to bring recalcitrant culprits to book.
