Ondo State Government has warned ‘minor chiefs’ to desist from wearing beaded crowns.
It said they are liable to three years imprisonment if they fail to obey the directive.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, made this known while addressing reporters in Akure.
“On the warning on wearing of crowns, it’s just an affirmation of the existing laws of the state that prohibit anybody who is not an Oba to put on a beaded crown.
“All minor chiefs are not allowed to wear crowns.
“Traditional institution is one that we cherish so much and value. We want to do everything humanly possible to protect the integrity, image and importance of that institution.
“Any minor chief who goes against the directive will be subjected to trial in the law court and he is liable to two or three years imprisonment,” he stated.
Takuro said the state government had received complaints from some communities, adding that government had issued warnings to some people.
“Government will not fold its arms for anybody to bastardise the traditional institution.”
The commissioner reiterated the need for communities to have their chieftaincy declaration documents.
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Speaking about the nullification of the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the state High Court, he said the state government would employ multiple means to address the issue.
“This government has invested so much in the creation of LCDA, because it was initiated by our leader, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded him, is a man who believes and he will try as much as possible to sustain the legacy left behind by his late boss.
“But one thing I can assure you about LCDA is that, it has come to stay. Nothing will abolish LCDA in Ondo State. This government believes in it and will sustain it.
“Government is also working on alternative dispute resolutions, to engage parties involved and look into their grievances so that we can be on the same page.
The commissioner assured the people that the Aiyedatiwa-led government would hold local government election soon.
“In a matter of weeks from now, you will see the clear position of government on this issue. We are only trying to clean out our house before making pronouncement so that it will not be subjected again to litigation,” he said.
He appreciated the governor for taking preventive measures to check flooding across the state.
“The state government is embarking de-silting projects in all the local governments, particularly in the headquarters.
“This de-silting is to prevent flooding. We have been able to identify about five to six areas and we are starting work this week.
“These are the things the governor has mandated the local governments to embark on,” he said.