The Ondo government has ordered “minor chiefs” to stop wearing beaded crowns, saying they are liable to three years’ imprisonment if they fail to obey directives.

The commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Amidu Takuro, made this known while addressing journalists in Akure.

“On the warning of wearing crowns, it’s just an affirmation of the existing laws of the state that prohibits 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.

Mr Takuro said the state government has received complaints from some communities and has issued strong warnings to some people, pointing out that the government “will not fold its hands for anybody to bastardise the traditional institution.”

Mr Takuro reiterated the need for all communities in the state to have their Chieftaincy Declaration documents.

Speaking on the Ondo High Court’s nullification of LCDA’s creation, the commissioner said the Ondo government would employ multiple means to address the issue.

He stated, “This government has invested so much in the creation of LCDA because it was initiated by our leader, late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded him, is a man who believes and 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 it will sustain it. Government is also working on alternative dispute resolutions to engage all parties involved and look into their grievances so that we can be on the same page.”

The commissioner also assured the people that Mr Aiyedatiwa’s administration will soon hold a local government election in Ondo.

(NAN)