Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on members of the State Council of Obas to appeal to their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, ranging from land allocation for illegal mining to unauthorised sales of government lands, especially in the plantations.
Governor Abiodun stated this at the inauguration of Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, as the new chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, who expressed disappointment over the activities of some of the erring Obas and Baales, explained that illegal mining had caused a severe environmental impact on some communities and posed serious threats to some critical public infrastructure in the state.
He disclosed that his office would soon issue an executive order to punish any Oba or Baale found wanting.
The governor also warned the traditional rulers not to involve themselves in partisan politics.
He said the traditional rulers’ role is to support the government in its developmental stride across the state.
Prince Abiodun, therefore, charged the traditional rulers to continue using their revered stools to promote peace and unity in their various domains.
He described the traditional institution as an essential arm of government towards the enthronement of good governance in the state. He promised that his government would support and empower the monarchs by providing the needed resources, infrastructure, and platforms to effectively deliver their duties.
Abiodun noted that despite the encroachment of Western civilisation, the Yoruba culture has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, emphasising that the ongoing interplay between tradition and modernity continues to shape the cultural landscape of Yorubaland, ensuring that its rich heritage endures amidst global changes.
He said, “We value your inputs and recommendations on matters that concern your welfare and that of the people.
“As an administration, we confidently state that the advisory and supportive role offered by our Royal Fathers is largely responsible for the rapid development and transformation witnessed in Ogun State. Indeed, your insight, wisdom, and close connection to the grassroots are invaluable assets as we strive to build a prosperous and inclusive society.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all our royal fathers for the role they have been playing in supporting our administration’s development agenda.
“Without your support and that of the people over whom you reign, we would not have achieved the successes that our people have continued to acknowledge publicly, ” Governor Abiodun said.
While congratulating the new chairman, the governor charged him to use his intellectual prowess to unite and promote the state’s traditional institution
He lauded the outgoing Chairman of the council, the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, for his sterling leadership qualities in the last two years, saying the support his administration has enjoyed from the monarchs has helped to entrench development in every part of the State.
The governor urged the monarchs to partner in progress toward building the state’s future for generations yet unborn.
In his welcome address, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, appreciated the governor’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the traditional rulers and the communities in their respective domains.
He commended Oba Babatunde Ajayi for completing his tenure meritoriously, saying he has proven himself as an astute administrator with outstanding knack and dexterity in service.
He hoped the incoming chairman, Oba Olugbenle, would sustain the tempo and establish a synergy between the state government and the traditional rulers.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Oba Olugbenle, lauded Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the development of the traditional institution and the overall growth and development of Ogun State.
He said the Ogun State Council of Obas members would continue to cooperate, collaborate, and provide the required support for the present administration to achieve more positive results.
Also, the immediate past chairman, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said his tenure fostered unity and harmony and instilled discipline, high moral standards, and integrity among traditional rulers, who collaborated with the government in driving development, peace, and prosperity in the state.
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