Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the pioneer Ekigbade of Bolorunduro, Oba Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinnifesi, in Ondo East Local Government Area.
Performing the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the installation as a historic development, being the first formal enthronement of a traditional ruler in the community.
Orange FM reports that the Governor congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, expressing optimism that his reign would promote peace, unity and accelerated development in Bolorunduro.
He explained that the stool became vacant following the death of the immediate past Olooja of Bolorunduro, Chief Johnson Akinlosotu, in September 2021, noting that disputes and court cases delayed the installation of a successor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the stool was among the newly recognised chieftaincies under Part I of the Ondo State Chiefs Law.
He urged the monarch to use his position to foster peace and unity, while calling on traditional rulers to support security agencies through intelligence gathering.
The Governor also cautioned against the installation of minor chiefs outside their recognised jurisdictions, particularly in disputed areas.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Fola Ogunduyilemi, described the installation as a landmark event in the history of Bolorunduro and commended the Governor for developmental projects in the council area.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, also appreciated the Governor for approving the installation.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Professor Thompson Akinyele Akinnifesi thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for making the historic installation possible.
The monarch, however, appealed to the state government to address the community’s electricity challenges.
