Abiodun warns traditional rulers to desist from selling government lands
…Inaugurates Olu of Ilaro as Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas
Stories by Omobolaji Adekunle, Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, called on members of the State Council of Obas to appeal to their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, ranging from allocation of land for illegal mining to unauthorised selling 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 has caused serious environmental impact on some communities and posed serious threats to some critical public infrastructure in the state.
He disclosed that an Executive Order would soon be issued from his office to deal with any Oba or Baale that is 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 in promoting peace and unity in their various domains.
He described the traditional institution as an important arm of government towards the enthronement of good governance in the state, promising that his government would support and empower the monarchs through the provision of needed resources, infrastructure and platforms for effective delivery of 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 currently being 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.
“We are blessed with highly resourceful traditional rulers who have been providing purposeful leadership at the grassroots and who are passionate about the general well-being of our people in our communities.
“Therefore, our administration will not deviate from executing our development’s plans, which aim at building on the legacies bequeathed to us by our founding fathers in the old Western Region.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all our Royal Fathers for the role they have been playing to support 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 publicly acknowledge,” averred Governor Abiodun.
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 outgone 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 being enjoyed by his administration from the monarchs has helped to entrench development in every parts of the State.
The Governor urged the monarchs to be partners in progress towards the building of the future of the state for generations yet unborn.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat appreciated the governor for the unwavering commitment to the welfare of the traditional rulers and that of the communities in their respective domains.
He commended Oba Babatunde Ajayi for a meritorious completion of his tenure, saying he has proven himself as an astute administrator with outstanding knack and dexterity in service.
He expressed the hope that the incoming Chairman, Oba Olugbenle, would sustain the tempo, which has established 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, as well as the all-round growth and development of Ogun State.
He assured that the entire members of the Ogun State Council of Obas would continue to cooperate, collaborate, and provide the required support for the present administration in achieving more positive results in the state.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said his tenure fostered unity and harmony, instilled discipline, high moral standards and integrity among traditional rulers, just as they collaborated with the government in driving development, peace and prosperity in the state.
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Ministry of Housing to immediately give a face-lift to the house of late MKO Abiola, at Gbagura, Oja Agbo Abeokuta, in preparation for Democracy Day on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, before leaving office declared June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, as against May 29, to celebrate the sacrifices made by Abiola in the quest for restoration of democratic government in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Governor wants the family house of the late Aareona Kakanfo of Yoruba land to be befitting and conducive for many pro-democracies activists who would be visiting for the celebration.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the Abiola’s family, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, has expressed gratitude to the State Government for the gesture , which he said would not only bring changes to the Abiola family house alone but to the community as the collapsed external drainage system was also touched.
“We are grateful to the State Governor for this kind gesture. The fallen ceilings were replaced, the windows were touched and the old buildings are wearing new looks,” he said.
On his part, the son of the late business mogul, Ameen Abiola, said the family was grateful for the generous disposition of the State Government aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the legacy and ideals of their late father. According to him, the family would always be grateful for the various efforts aimed at bringing alive the memory of their late father
Abiola, a business mogul and philanthropist, was believed to have won the June 12 presidential election in 1993, which was annulled by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida. He later declared himself as President and consequently arrested.
He eventually died in detention on July 7, 1998, in very controversial circumstances.
