Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday warned traditional rulers in the state against territorial expansion and the installation of chiefs outside their recognised domains, saying such actions would no longer be tolerated by the government.

The governor gave the warning during the presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Olanrewaju Olawoye Adeyemi as the pioneer Owa Adimula of Okeoro in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained committed to sustaining peace and order within traditional institutions across the state, stressing that any form of expansionist tendency among monarchs could threaten communal harmony.

The governor assured residents of the Okeoro community of adequate government support and security, while congratulating the monarch on his official recognition.

According to the governor, the recognition of the Okeoro stool followed years of agitation by the community and was strengthened by a court judgment delivered on July 3, 2023.

“The community had sought recognition for years, and the request was reinforced by a court judgment directing the government to recognise the community. As a believer in the rule of law, we complied by upgrading the stool to an Obaship,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government, Hon. Esan Owolabi, described the installation of the monarch as a landmark achievement for the people of Okeoro.

Owolabi said the emergence of the traditional ruler marked the beginning of a new phase for the community and urged residents to support the monarch in promoting peace, unity, and development.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, while commending the governor for strengthening traditional institutions across the state.

In his remarks, Oba Adeyemi said the recognition of the stool brought to an end a struggle spanning more than two centuries, noting that the history of Okeoro dates back to 1862.

The monarch said his vision was to lay a solid foundation for rapid development in the community, expressing optimism that Okeoro could attract a university within the next 10 years.

He added that although the community is blessed with vast land and mineral resources, it still lacks adequate road infrastructure and higher institutions.

Speaking on security concerns, the monarch alleged that the community narrowly escaped an attack by suspected armed Fulani groups about six months ago, following the intervention of security authorities in Abuja and Akure.

According to him, some suspected collaborators within the community were arrested during the incident, helping to avert the invasion.

“We welcome peaceful herders carrying out legitimate businesses, but anyone involved in violence or unlawful occupation of land should be treated as a terrorist,” the monarch said. (Nigerian Tribune)