Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged traditional rulers in the state to partner the state government to ensure peace in the state, saying the issue of security of life and property of Lagosians is a collective concern between them.
Sanwo-Olu stated this yesterday at the inauguration of the state council of Obas and chiefs, held in Ikeja area of the state.
The governor who harped on the need for the traditional rulers to collaborate with government and security agencies in order to protect life and property of the citizens also commended all the traditional rulers for their support for his candidature and that of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which led to the victory at the February 25 and March poll.
“We recognize and appreciate the vital role our traditional rulers play in ensuring peace, harmony and stability thereby creating a conducive environment for everyone in our communities to live, work and transact their businesses without fear or intimidation. It is in furtherance of this conviction that a total number of forty-eight (48) Obas were installed between June 2020 to May 2023.
“As I inaugurate this council for another five-year term, I want to beseech our traditional rulers to continue serving as vital bridges between the people and the government as fathers of their respective communities.
“The vital issue of security in our state should be our collective concern; as your collaboration with the government and its security agencies would help in safe-guarding the peace that Lagos State has always enjoyed”, Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor pledged that his administration would continue to support traditional rulers with welfare packages to enhance their mobility and general upkeep as well as the construction and renovation of palaces across the state.
Meanwhile, the traditional institution in Lagos urged the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to set aside August 20 annually for traditional worshippers in the state.
The monarchs which included the Oniru of Iru Land Gbolahan Lawal,
Elegushi of Ikate land, Saheeh Elegushi, among other monarchs agreed that Isese Day will help in the spiritual security of the state.
Speaking on behalf of other monarchs, the Elegushi of Ikate land, Oba Saheed Elegushi said the democracy being practiced in Nigeria gives equal recognition to all religions.
He added that since the Christians and Muslims have special days to celebrate their festivals recognised by the government, Isese Day celebrated by traditional institutions should also be recognised.
Also, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Wasiu, said traditional rulers also provide spiritual security, which is very important, adding various rites such as Oro, will be carried out on the day so as to protect lives and property of the residents.
