The newly crowned monarch of Okeoro Community in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Olanrewaju Adeyemi, has called on the state government to provide basic amenities for the community.
The monarch said the community urgently needed a good road network to improve transportation and communication for residents.
Oba Adeyemi made the call during the presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to him by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday.
He said, “The community urgently needs road development to improve transportation and communication. We also need higher institutions. The governor has privately assured me of support and I believe he is a man who keeps his promises.”
The new monarch, who expressed appreciation to stakeholders involved in the process that led to his emergence, said he planned to lay a solid foundation for the development of the town.
He expressed optimism that Okeoro could have a university within the next 10 years.
Oba Adeyemi added that the community was richly blessed with mineral resources and vast land but urgently needed road infrastructure, improved transportation and higher institutions to accelerate development.
On the issue of insecurity, the monarch declared, “We have no issue with genuine herders who carry out their lawful activities peacefully. However, those involved in violent activities and attempts to occupy land unlawfully should be treated as terrorists.”
Presenting the staff of office to the new monarch, Aiyedatiwa explained that the state government formally recognised the stool following requests made by the community and a court judgment.
He said, “The community had earlier requested the recognition of Okeoro, and the request was strengthened by a judgment delivered on July 3, 2023. The court compelled the state government to recognise the community. As an ambassador of the rule of law, I had no option but to elevate the stool to an Obaship.”
The governor, however, used the occasion to warn traditional rulers in the state against expansionist tendencies, stressing that the government would not tolerate monarchs installing chiefs outside their jurisdictions.
He declared that the state government frowned on expansionist tendencies among monarchs and assured residents of the community of adequate security.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Mr Esan Owolabi, described the occasion as the beginning of a new era for the people of Okeoro.
“This occasion marks the beginning of a new era. It is a moment of pride for the sons and daughters of Okeoro. Your appointment is a call to selfless service for the growth and development of the community. I am confident that your reign will bring unprecedented development,” he said.
Owolabi urged the monarch to remain committed to the progress of the community while calling on residents to support the traditional ruler. He also advised residents to remain security-conscious and vigilant at all times.