Oyo government presents staff of office to Alakufo of Akufo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has presented the staff of office to the Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area, Oba Lamidi Taoreed Adefisoye, formally recognising his appointment as the traditional ruler of the community.

The presentation followed the approval of the monarch’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde, as conveyed in a June 24 memo issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo.

The memo stated that Oba Adefisoye’s appointment took effect on Oct. 23, 2023, while the staff of office was presented at the Ido Local Government Secretariat by the council chairman, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Receiving the staff of office, Oba Adefisoye thanked Makinde for approving his appointment and also expressed appreciation to Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Commissioner Ademola Ojo, Director of Chieftaincy Matters Kola Abiola and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support throughout the process.

The monarch also acknowledged the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, kingmakers and the people of Akufo for their encouragement and confidence in his leadership.

Oba Adefisoye pledged to work closely with the state government, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and sustainable development, saying traditional institutions have an important role in supporting government efforts to improve residents’ welfare.

He said his administration would prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation and security, while promoting investment opportunities and youth and women empowerment programmes to accelerate the community’s growth.

The traditional ruler called on Akufo indigenes at home and in the diaspora to support his reign, assuring them of an inclusive, transparent and people-centred leadership that would preserve the community’s cultural heritage and drive its social and economic development.