ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday in Akure, the state capital, presented brand-new Toyota SUVs to traditional rulers across the state, describing the gesture as part of efforts to protect and promote the welfare of the traditional institution.
Aiyedatiwa said the initiative marked “a historic milestone in the collective journey towards the progress and elevation of every traditional kinship stool to an enviable height.”
He expressed gratitude to the state’s traditional rulers for their steadfast support in maintaining peace and security within their respective domains.
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“As the custodians of our rich cultural heritage, the preservers of our values and the closest link between government and the grassroots, our administration recognises your importance and cannot afford to neglect your welfare.
“Within the first year of our tenure, our government completed the long-abandoned project for the construction of a befitting secretariat for the meetings and other activities of our royal fathers.
“This achievement, coupled with the prompt payment of the statutory five per cent of total fund allocation to the 18 local government areas of the state from the federation accounts to our traditional institutions underscores our firm dedication to your course.”
The governor announced that “all grade ‘A’ Obas will go home with a Toyota Fortuner Jeep, 2025 Model while all Grade ‘B & C’ Obas will later receive a Toyota Cross Jeep 2025 Model: both are among the latest-model of the globally respected Toyota brand.”
According to him, the vehicles represent symbols of dignity, honour, and respect for the traditional rulers.
He appealed for the continued cooperation of traditional leaders, assuring them that his administration would remain committed to prioritising their welfare.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the gesture was aimed at appreciating and recognising the invaluable contributions of the traditional institution to governance.
Takuro lauded the monarchs for their roles in promoting peace, unity, and community development across the state and thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise to improve their welfare.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the vehicles.
In his response, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, described the gesture as “quite befitting.”
Oba Ogunoye, who serves as the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, praised the governor for his consistent goodwill toward traditional rulers and pledged that they would continue to support the government’s developmental agenda.