The Ondo State Government has mandated the formal documentation of Chieftaincy Declarations in all communities across the state, in a move aimed at reducing conflicts associated with the appointment of traditional rulers.
The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, during a public hearing on Chieftaincy Declarations held on Monday in Akure.
Takuro said the decision was taken following frequent succession crises in communities lacking formal declarations. He explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered that every community must now submit a well-documented and widely accepted Chieftaincy Declaration for government ratification.
“We always have problems in communities without a chieftaincy declaration,” the commissioner said. “The governor believes there should be a seamless succession process for all stools in the state to ensure peace and growth across every part of Ondo.”
The declarations, Takuro noted, must reflect the tradition and customary laws guiding the appointment of an Oba and must be endorsed by stakeholders in each community. He also stated that the composition of kingmakers would be determined by the communities themselves, subject to popular approval.
“This declaration must be well accepted by the people, based on their culture and historical facts,” he added.
The initiative drew praise from traditional rulers, including the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, who described it as a “peace-building tool” that would bring order to the process of kingship succession.
“Before now, everything was verbal—no documentation or due process. A lot of problems arose because everyone wanted to become an Oba,” the monarch said. “But this will make a great difference and put everyone in their rightful place.”
Takuro also hailed Governor Aiyedatiwa for championing the initiative, saying it reinforces Ondo State’s position as a leader in protecting and preserving traditional institutions.
