Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State presented the staff of office to Akintoye Adeoye, the new Olu-Oke of Oke-Igbo, on Tuesday in the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa charged the traditional ruler to promote peace, unity, and development in his domain.

He said the event marked the end of a long-drawn traditional and legal tussle that had left the stool of Olu-Oke vacant for years.

The governor recalled that the vacancy followed a judicial pronouncement that nullified the appointment of the late Oba Babajide Oluwole.

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, the court ruled that the late monarch was not a descendant of the Aare Kuigbaigbe ruling house and consequently ordered that the next person should emerge from that same ruling house.

He explained that the chieftaincy declaration registered in 2019 by the deposed traditional ruler was rendered null and void by the judgment, restoring the native laws and customs of Oke-Igbo as the valid guide for the selection process.

“Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. Forget the acrimony of the past and do not use your position to victimise perceived opponents or rivals.

“I pray that Oke-Igbo will witness peace, growth, and development during your reign,” he said

Mr Aiyedatiwa appealed to other contenders and their supporters to support the new traditional ruler.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, saying the government had invested heavily in strengthening the Amotekun Corps and supporting other security agencies.

He enjoined residents to be vigilant and collaborate with security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes, adding that “security should be a collective responsibility, not a government affair alone.”

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, commended the governor’s adherence to due process in the selection of Obas.

He said the State Executive Council approved Mr Adeoye’s appointment on October 27, 2025, after verifying its conformity with Oke-Igbo’s customs and traditions.

Also speaking, the chairman of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government, Adeboye Adebare, praised Mr Aiyedatiwa’s leadership for resolving the age-long dispute and allowing the people to choose their ruler without government interference.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Adeoye promised to promote unity, reconciliation, and development in the community.

The traditional ruler announced ₦50,000 each for 100 women traders to boost trade development in the community.

(NAN)