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AIYEDATIWA URGES TRADITIONAL RULERS TO PRIORITIZE DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS AS ONDO HOLDS SEMINAR FOR MONARCHS
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has urged traditional rulers to prioritise dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land disputes, chieftaincy disagreements and inter-community conflicts.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Tuesday in Akure while inaugurating a three-day capacity-building workshop for traditional rulers in the state.
The workshop is organised by the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs with theme: “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
He said peace was a prerequisite for development, stressing the important role of traditional rulers in maintaining harmonious relationships within and between communities.
“Peace is the prerequisite for all progress. When peace reigns in our domains, development naturally follows,” he said.
The governor urged the traditional rulers to ensure that their palaces remained sanctuaries of justice, fairness and reconciliation.
He said traditional institutions had historically played critical roles in maintaining law, order and peaceful coexistence in communities.
Aiyedatiwa noted that issues such as land boundaries, chieftaincy disputes and inter-community conflicts could threaten the peaceful co-existence of the people if not properly managed.
He urged the traditional rulers to use their experience, influence and knowledge of their communities to prevent disputes from escalating into crises.
The governor also stressed the importance of the traditional institution in addressing security challenges in the state.
He said his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, while collaborating with federal security agencies.
Aiyedatiwa said traditional rulers possessed strong local intelligence networks through community associations, hunters and other groups.
He urged them to identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing partnerships with security agencies.
The governor said the three-day workshop was designed to equip traditional rulers with contemporary tools in conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro, said the workshop would strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers to resolve local disputes and foster inter-community harmony.
Takuro said the programme would also strengthen royal intelligence for crime detection and enhance collaboration between traditional institutions and security agencies.
He urged the participants to engage actively with experts and facilitators during the workshop to maximise its benefits.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended the governor and the ministry for organising the workshop.
Ogunoye, who is also the Olowo of Owo, described the initiative as novel in the state and said it would enhance the knowledge and capacity of traditional rulers.
He assured the state government of the council’s continued support and cooperation in promoting peace and development across the state.
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