Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has given traditional rulers without registered declarations to register the same before the end of September or risk dethronment and prosecution.
Also, the governor warned minor chiefs and traditional rulers against wearing born crowns and violators would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Aiyedatiwa said the orders were parts of strategies to ensure a seamless transition and put at bay agitations and tussles associated with the obaship selection process in the state.
The governor said it has become imperative to take these decisions in the interest of peace among those jostling for traditional stools in the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, at a meeting with the state Council of Obas, saddled the chieftaincy committee in each Local Government, to ensure that all stools in their jurisdiction, without declaration, have one prepared and registered by the end of September.
Aiyedatiwa who promised to continue to prioritise the welfare of traditional rulers in the State, said 5 percent of Local Government Allocation has been approved for their welfare.
Obas at the meeting eulogised this remarkable stride of the Aiyedatiwa – led administration aimed at forestalling obaship tussles, as there are stools in the State that have existed for over 60 years without chieftaincy declarations.
The state government also warned minor chiefs in the state not to put on crowns.
At a meeting of the Deputy Governor and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs with traditional rulers in the State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olajide Adelami asked that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, warn minor chiefs, who disrespect the crown.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro read the riot act, saying any Olu or Baale that wears the crown henceforth, should be ready to face the wrath of the government.
He enjoined monarchs to report any minor chief in their domain, that dares to put on the crown.
