In a landmark decision that resolves a decades-long chieftaincy dispute, the Ondo State Executive Council has formally recognised and restored the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira Chieftaincy in Akoko South-East Local Government Area, 67 years after the death of the last statutory occupant of the stool.
The last Onifira Oke died in 1959. The chieftaincy, which enjoys first-class status comparable to that of the Onisua of Isua and the Olupesi of Ipesi-Akoko, was backed by multiple Chieftaincy Declarations issued by the then Western Region of Nigeria. These instruments were signed by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dauda Adegbenro, who at various times also acted as Premier of the Western Region.
However, due to alleged sabotage, all original edicts, appointment instruments and related documents vanished from local government files and archives. Only the statutory instruments preserved at the Western Region headquarters in Ibadan (the then regional capital) remained intact. Successive efforts by the Oke-Ifira community to reverse the anomaly consistently hit brick walls.
When the Ajama Chieftaincy Review Panel was constituted, the community made a formal presentation. It was, however, disallowed on technical grounds that the matter was already before the courts, and the community was advised to await the judicial outcome.
Announcing the council’s decision on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said that after several presentations and a thorough quest for justice, the state government has now done what is right and just by restoring the Onifira Oke Chieftaincy to its rightful place.
The recognition of the Onifira Oke Chieftaincy formed part of a broader package of traditional institution decisions taken at the first Executive Council meeting of the year, presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Other chieftaincy approvals include:
- The appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South Local Government Area.
- The upgrading of the Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro Chieftaincy in Akoko North-West Local Government Area to Grade C status.
- The appointment of four warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.
- The appointment of Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as the new Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje Local Government Area.
- The appointment of Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as the new Olukakumo in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
- The appointment of Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as the new Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.
- The recognition of Ugbagbe of Oroto as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje Local Government Area to Grade C status.
- The appointment of warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.
Simultaneously, the council approved a major expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the state. Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed that the government has approved the construction of new hospital buildings with a cumulative capacity of 500 beds.
The projects include:
- 100-bedded hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa.
- Additional 100-bedded facilities at the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.
- 50-bedded hospitals in Irele and Igbokoda.
- Two general hospitals designed as “one-stop shop” facilities integrating laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services under one roof.
The council also approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrading of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure to address the rising burden of mental health challenges and drug abuse.
A revised cost for the Contributory Health Commission building was approved to allow for expansion, while plans were endorsed for the procurement and installation of advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI and mammography machines, at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, and Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, both confirmed that the decisions reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and preserving the state’s traditional institutions.
Ajanaku described the council meeting as the first of the year, coming shortly after the state’s 50th anniversary and the first anniversary of the current administration as an elected government.
He added that security issues also featured prominently, with the governor having visited a community recently affected by a security breach to express sympathy with residents.
