By Muhammad Mamman
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has formally presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Isiaka Adu as the Alale of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, bringing closure to decades of chieftaincy disputes in the community.
Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s neutrality in traditional matters, stressing that the decision was guided solely by judicial pronouncements rather than political considerations.
“The presentation of this staff of office is not an endorsement of one ruling house over another. It is simply the logical outcome of a long judicial process in which Oba Isiaka Adu obtained favourable judgments at every level of the courts. In the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice, it is only right that he now enjoys the full benefits of his legal victory,” the governor said.
He explained that while the Olugbade Ruling House would have ordinarily produced the next monarch following the passing of Oba Sunday Adeyeye Ajimo in March 2025, the state government had no option but to respect the subsisting court rulings which validated Adu’s claim.
“This action reflects no bias towards any ruling house. It is taken strictly in the interest of peace and stability in Akungba. As Alale, you are now a father to all. Use this office to build bridges, foster unity, and advance development in your community,” Aiyedatiwa urged.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, lauded the governor’s commitment to due process, while the Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the installation as the dawn of a new era for Akungba.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adu expressed profound gratitude to God and the state government for upholding the rule of law.
“I remain indebted to Governor Aiyedatiwa for ensuring that the Supreme Court judgment on the Alale chieftaincy matter was respected, culminating in my installation today. This is the fulfilment of a long journey that began in 1951 with the aspiration of the Agure royal family to ascend the throne,” he said.
Oba Adu pledged to prioritise peace, unity, and development throughout his reign, describing the occasion as a historic turning point for Akungba-Akoko.
