Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Saturday presented the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to the new Alayede of Ayede-Ogbese, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede.

The Governor told the new monarch that the state government is interested in the affairs of the community due to its strategic location in terms of economic activities.

At the official presentation at Ayede-Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area, Governor Akeredolu charged the new monarch to see his ascension to the throne as a call to service to his people and to impact positively on their lives.

The stool of Alayede became vacant on March 24, 2020, following the demise of His Royal Highness, Oba (Professor) Isaac Ayodele Oluyede, from Oluyede Ruling House, the only Ruling House in Ayede-Ogbese.
Akeredolu, who congratulated Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede, also commended the Oluyede Ruling House and the peace loving people of Ayede-Ogbese for the smooth and peaceful process of the selection of the new monarch.

The Governor prayed God for peaceful and successful reign of the monarch to ensure success in the task of leading Ayede-Ogbese to a higher level of socio-economic development.

Saying that his administration is passionate and fully committed to the development of every community across the state, Akeredolu enjoined the Kabiyesi to always exhibit high level of integrity in the discharge of his responsibility by limiting himself and activities to his area of jurisdiction only.

He called on the people of Ayede-Ogbese to collectively give their unalloyed co-operation and unflinching support to Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede so as to ensure that his reign is remarkably peaceful, successful and progressive to the benefit of all and sundry.

“I wish to inform this gathering that the security of inhabitants of this State is a topmost priority of our administration and we are making efforts to rid our communities of miscreants, and criminals and to put an end to all cult related clashes in our dear State.

“The State Government has committed enormous resources to strengthening the Amotekun Corps in terms of equipment and human resources. Our government cannot tolerate a situation where our citizens cannot conduct their businesses in a safe environment.

“We, however, need your support and co-operation to make this possible. To this end, I implore you to always be sensitive to strange movements/acts around you to enable us combat the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity on our highways and communities.

“Nevertheless, security matters should not be left with the government alone. Rather, it should be a collective effort of every member of the community. May I also say that this community is blessed with a lot of resources. Kabiyesi should, therefore, rally eminent sons and daughters together for the overall development of the community.

“Let me, once again, reiterate the commitment of the State Government to the provision of basic infrastructure and amenities for our people. Our policy on education advancement and human capital development is being pursued with vigour. This is reflected in the massive renovation of our public primary schools and recruitment of about 1,200 teachers.

“Our health care facilities have been equipped with modern medical equipment across the State while over 600 medical personnel were recently recruited. The State Government also procured motor graders for 18 Local Government Councils for the grading of rural roads, among others,” the Governor added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adegboyega Adefarati, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for always ensuring peaceful selection and appointment of monarchs to fill vacant stools across the state.

Speaking after his installation, the new monarch, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede, commended the Governor for his giant infrastructure strides across the state, promising to do his best to transform the town into a social and economic hub.

Dignitaries at the installation ceremony include;  Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dele Ologun; Special Adviser on Transport, Tobi Ogunleye, religious leaders, traditional rulers, Ogbese sons and daughters.