Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has whittled the powers of some traditional rulers in the State by upgrading some Obas to First Class monarchs.
The Governor, who banned the closure of markets over traditional festivals without his approval, also elevated some Chiefs to the status of Obas in various communities across the State.
He said no shops in residential areas would be closed when approvals are given for the closure of markets.
Traditional rulers who were elevated from grade B Monarch to grade A were Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, Akoko Northeast local government, Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Alale of Akungba, Akoko South West.
Those elevated in Akure North, Akure South and Ifedore were Okiti of iju, Ogbolu of Ita-ogbolu, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin, Olujare of Ijare, Olowa of Igbara-Oke.
In Ondo South, the traditional seat that got uplifted were Oluoke of Okeigbo, Maporure of Agerige, Eletikan of Etikan, Ahaba of Ajagba, Odogbo of Omiland, Larogbo of Akotogbo, Orunja of Odigbo, Halu of Ode-Aye, Orungberuwa of Erinje.
Others were the Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo, Olupele of Ipele, Elemure of Emure-Ile, Olumoru of Imoru and Olute of Ute.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, who spoke after the weekly state Executive Council, said some crises in some communities were resolved and disputed stools were regularised.
Olateju stated that the issue of paramountcy was still pending and awaiting amendment of the State’s Chieftaincy Law.
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She said: “Some persons have been parading themselves as Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government and Olu of Igodanlisa in Okitipupa Local Government without the approval of the State Executive Council.
“Such persons shall be arrested and investigated for their infractions against the State Chieftaincy Law.
“The State EXCO also noted the permit granted for the observance of traditional festivals in the state. The government hereby reiterates that there shall be no closure of markets without the approval of the Governor.
“Where approval is granted, such approval shall be limited to the Oba’s market alone, not shops in residential areas.”
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, said Governor Akeredolu was ready to implement report of the Justice Ajama Panel to look into Chieftaincy Matters in the state which was submitted. eight years ago.
He urged those promoted Obas and Chiefs to await the government White Paper on their elevation.