Ondo Gets 400 Memoranda to Upgrade Chieftaincy Stools

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) set up, by the Ondo State Government, to look into cases of adjustment, upgrading and elevation of chieftaincy stools has received at least 420 memoranda.
Chairman of the Commission, Justice Chris Ajama, told reporters this, on Tuesday, at the Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium, in Akure, venue of the sitting of the inquiry.
He said that the essence of the briefing was to enable the public know the status of the work done by the Commission and to create awareness on the schedule of a public hearing.
He disclosed, besides, that a public hearing, where everyone – including communities, groups, ruling houses and individuals, would make contributions, on the memoranda received, had been slated for Monday next week.
“The first session of the public hearing, which would last two weeks is strictly for those seeking recognition. Others will follow later, as we also roll out their schedule of appearance for public hearing, which will also be published,” he said.
He disclosed that the Commission, which has six weeks to submit its recommendation to the state government, had so far been free and fair in its responsibility.
“Recognition and upgrading of deserving minor chieftaincies referred to the commission; elevation of existing (recognised) chieftaincies referred to it; review of the structure and composition of the Ondo State Council of Obas and the issue of paramountcy; and investigation into disputed chieftaincy declarations”, said Ajama, were the four parts, into which the activities of the body were broken, interest of efficiency.
According to him the mandate of the Commission, which was, on January 30, 2015, inaugurated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, included the review of the present grades and status of recognised chiefs and crowns in the state, the status of ungraded and unrecognised chiefs of various towns and communities referred to it, the status of minor chiefs, associated with local communities referred to it, the membership, grade or class and structure of the State Council of Chiefs and make appropriate recommendations and also take evidence on the customs, tradition, influence and authority of prescribed authorities, under the chiefs law and make recommendations on areas of jurisdiction or power of such prescribed authorities in the state.