Oba Odutala becomes the 2nd president of Integrity Obas forum
By Omobolaji Adekunle
The Olu Aiyetoro, Onibudo-Aiyetoro, in Ogun state, Oba Adewunmi Adeniji Odutala has been elected the president of Integrity Obas forum to run its affairs for the next two years.
During the induction and swearing in of the newly elected officers of the forum,the Eselu of Eselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi who was the chairman of the event called on the Federal Government to focus on ensuring food security and implementing the national minimum wage to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
Oba Akinyemi emphasised the need for the Federal Government to open the borders for food importation as a palliative measure so as to cushion the effects of the present economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
“People need food on their tables at affordable prices, the government should introduce quality control and price control measures to regulate the expensive food items in markets.”
Oba Akinyemi also stressed the importance of implementing the national minimum wage, which according to him will make life more bearable to Nigerian workers.
“If policies are introduced but not implemented, people will lose trust, the minimum wage implementation is crucial, especially since the previous increase has not been fully paid, and fuel prices remain high,” Oba Akinyemi said.
He commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for taking bold steps in an effort to implement the minimum wage, urging other state governments to emulate him.
Meanwhile Oba Adewunmi Adeniji Odutala, the Onibudo of Ibudo Aiyetoro who was elected as the second president of Integrity Oba’s Forum said that the vision and mission of the forum are to empower its members and foster community development among others.
Oba Odutala who served as vice president for two years, emphasized the need for royal fathers to go beyond their traditional roles and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
“We want our royal fathers to see themselves as more than just sitting on the throne, we aim to develop their capacity through seminars and training in ICT, agriculture, and entrepreneurship,” Oba Odutala said.
He said that the integrity Obas forum has provided support to over 12,000 students across seven schools, donated books and uniforms to needy students and as well initiated agricultural programmes with some members establishing farms and also engaging with lawyers to provide pro bono services for wrongly imprisoned individuals.
Oba Odutala solicited cooperation among members, stating, “A tree does not make a forest. I need their support to move this association forward.”
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the country’s economic challenges, attributing them to deep-seated systemic issues.
“The present administration has taken difficult decisions to ensure Nigerians laugh again, we must be patient and show understanding with the government for its policies to achieve results,” Oba Odutala enthused.
