The Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun has assured that his administration would continue to hold the traditional institution in high esteem, empowering it for special mobilization, community development and effective governance at the grassroots.
The Governor, who gave the assurance at the inauguration of new chairman, Ogun Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi and Statutory meeting of the council held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said, the need for traditional institution to be well positioned has made his administration grant necessary approvals without interference in the selection processes, in the appointment of new Obas and other traditional titles to fill vacant stools in accordance to Ogun State Chief’s laws.
The helmsman in the affairs of the state said, the traditional rulers as an embodiment of royalty should not allow themselves to be cajoled or coerced into taking actions that would bring traditional stools into disrepute.
He further advised them that they should not desist from their fatherly roles and continued support of government activities towards successful implementation of various laudable people’s oriented projects that would bring about improvements and wellness to the people especially at the grassroots.
He also enjoined the monarchs to continue to collaborate with the activities of security agencies against all threats to life and property in their various communities.
He lauded the royal fathers in trouble areas for their role and cooperation in ensuring peace in their communities.
He noted that had in no small measure created conducive and enabling environment for development of prosperity to the citizens and the State.
Commending the Traditional Rulers for their complementing efforts of the government at combating the scourge of COVID-19 in the State, the Governor said his administration would soon launch a mass vaccination campaign soliciting the supports of the monarchs towards ensuring successful implementation of the campaign.
“I commend our royal fathers for their complementing effort towards the fight against Covid-19; I also commend their response in the campaign against the pandemic. I enjoin them to continue to join hands with the Government in the fight against the disease by sensitizing and encouraging their subjects to continue to take necessary precautions against it” the Governor said.
In his address, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuape in his address, said, the ministry has captured all the bio-data of the monarchs in the State and identification cards have been given to all authentic Obas duly appointed by the State Government.
Afolabi noted that the bio-data capturing would curtail the misbehaviors of impostors and illegal Obas in the state bringing more sanctity to the institution.
Afuape noted that speedy response of traditional rulers across the State led by Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona by educating youths not to be violent in the cause of their protest saved the state from mass destruction of properties and lives during the Endsars protest in 2020.