Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged traditional rulers across the state to take the lead in preserving Yoruba language, traditions, cultural values and moral standards amid growing threats posed by globalisation and digital transformation.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Tuesday while declaring open a three-day workshop for traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state at the International Culture and Event Centre (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 charged the monarchs to promote indigenous industries and instil traditional values such as honesty, hard work and respect in younger generations.
He described traditional institutions as the bedrock of governance, law, peace and order in Yoruba land long before the emergence of modern democratic structures.
According to him, traditional rulers remain the closest authorities to the people, custodians of history and heritage, first-line conflict resolvers and moral compasses of their communities.
Traditional institutions must evolve
Aiyedatiwa said the traditional institution must adapt to changing realities without losing its sacred identity, stressing that government policies could not achieve meaningful and sustainable results at the grassroots without the support and leadership of traditional rulers.
He urged the monarchs to prioritise dialogue, mediation and diplomacy in resolving land and chieftaincy disputes as well as inter-community conflicts.
“Peace is a prerequisite for development,” the governor said, urging traditional rulers to use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
Monarchs urged to strengthen community security
On security, Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, while deepening collaboration with federal security agencies.
He urged traditional rulers to deploy their local networks, hunters and community associations to gather intelligence, identify suspicious movements, report criminal elements and strengthen community policing.
The governor also described the monarchs as critical partners in sustainable development, urging them to facilitate access to land for agriculture and industrial investments, promote education, discourage youth restiveness and support primary healthcare and sanitation initiatives.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the traditional institution, promising continued recognition and involvement of monarchs in major policy decisions affecting local administration.
He described the partnership between government and the traditional institution as “an indispensable alliance for progress.”
According to him, the three-day workshop, described as the first of its kind in the state, was designed to equip traditional rulers with contemporary tools for conflict management, legal frameworks, security cooperation and community administration.
Takuro: Workshop will strengthen traditional institution
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the workshop was conceived by the administration as part of efforts to strengthen the traditional institution.
Takuro said Aiyedatiwa had consistently demonstrated commitment to the programme, adding that the large turnout of monarchs demonstrated their dedication to the peace and progress of the state.
He said the workshop would provide the traditional rulers with contemporary tools for local dispute resolution, inter-community harmony, crime detection and stronger collaboration with security agencies.
The commissioner added that the programme would also enable the monarchs to drive grassroots economic investment and protect the state’s cultural heritage.
Obas commend Aiyedatiwa
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, described the workshop as unprecedented, saying it demonstrated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to equipping traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Oba Ogunoye commended the governor for his support for the traditional institution, particularly the distribution of brand-new vehicles to monarchs, completion of the Oba’s House, which had remained under construction under successive administrations, and approval of five per cent of local government revenue for the care of the traditional institution.
He said the workshop would establish minimum expectations for traditional rulers while providing an opportunity for them to renew their knowledge and improve their performance.
The monarch assured the governor of the continued prayers and support of the traditional institution, saying the monarchs had witnessed his efforts towards the development of the state.
Also speaking, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, said he had spent 11 years on the throne without witnessing a seminar of such magnitude.
He commended the governor for organising the workshop and described traditional rulers as custodians of culture who stood to benefit substantially from the programme.
Similarly, the Kalasue of Apoi in Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Sunday Amusehan, said he had not witnessed such a gathering since his enthronement about nine years ago.
Amusehan said the workshop would provide an avenue for traditional rulers to exchange views on traditions, customs and culture, compare practices across communities and strengthen relationships among neighbouring communities.
Police pledge stronger collaboration
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Mr. Felix Ohagwu, represented by CSP Taiwo Adeniji, described the workshop as timely, considering the strategic role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, resolving communal disputes, preserving cultural heritage and supporting security agencies in crime prevention.
He assured the monarchs that the command would continue to strengthen collaboration with them through regular engagements, information sharing and community-oriented policing initiatives.

The event was attended by 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.