Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on traditional rulers to take deliberate steps to protect Yoruba language, culture and traditional values from the growing influence of globalisation and digital transformation.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Tuesday at the opening of a three-day workshop for traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was themed, “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
The governor urged the monarchs to use their positions to preserve Yoruba heritage, promote indigenous industries and pass traditional values, including honesty, hard work and respect, on to younger generations.
He said the influence of globalisation and rapid digital transformation had created new challenges for the preservation of indigenous languages, traditions, cultural values and moral standards.
According to him, traditional rulers have a crucial responsibility to ensure that the modernisation of society does not come at the expense of its cultural identity.
Aiyedatiwa described the traditional institution as a longstanding pillar of governance, peace and order in Yoruba land, noting that monarchs remained the closest authorities to the people and custodians of their communities’ history and heritage.
He said the institution must evolve in response to contemporary realities while retaining its sacred identity and core values.
The governor stressed that government policies could not achieve lasting impact at the grassroots without the active participation and support of traditional rulers.
He therefore urged the monarchs to deploy dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land and boundary disputes, chieftaincy disagreements and inter-community conflicts.
Aiyedatiwa also called on them to strengthen their partnership with security agencies by using local networks, hunters and community associations to gather intelligence, identify suspicious movements and report criminal activities.
He assured the monarchs that his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, and deepen cooperation with federal security agencies.
Beyond security and cultural preservation, the governor urged the traditional rulers to support agricultural and industrial investments by facilitating access to land, encourage education, discourage youth restiveness and promote primary healthcare and sanitation in their communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of traditional rulers, promising continued recognition and involvement of the institution in major policy decisions affecting local administration.
Aiyedatiwa described the relationship between government and the traditional institution as “an indispensable alliance for progress.”
He said the workshop was designed to expose traditional rulers to contemporary approaches to conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the initiative was part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the traditional institution and improve its capacity to address contemporary challenges.
Takuro said the workshop would equip the monarchs with modern tools for dispute resolution, crime detection, community development and collaboration with security agencies, while also helping them promote grassroots investment and safeguard the state’s cultural heritage.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended the governor for organising the workshop, describing it as the first of its kind in the state.
Ogunoye said the initiative demonstrated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to strengthening the traditional institution, noting that the administration had supported monarchs through the provision of new vehicles, completion of the Oba’s House and approval of five per cent of local government revenue for the care of the traditional institution.
He said the workshop would provide minimum expectations for traditional rulers while giving them an opportunity to update their knowledge and improve their performance.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, also commended the governor, saying he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing such a seminar.
Similarly, the Kalasue of Apoi, Prof. Sunday Amusehan, said the workshop would provide an opportunity for traditional rulers to share knowledge about customs and traditions and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Mr Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Taiwo Adeniji, described the workshop as timely, noting the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes and supporting security agencies in crime prevention.
He assured the monarchs of the command’s continued partnership through regular engagements, information sharing and community-oriented policing.
Among those present were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Olusegun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; political appointees; Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua; and other dignitaries.