Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has cautioned traditional rulers in the state on the allocation of land to illegal miners and unapproved sale of public property, particularly on plantations.
Abiodun gave the warning during 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 on Tuesday.
The governor, while expressing disappointment over the activities of some of the erring Obas and Baales, emphasised that illegal mining has seriously threatened some of the state’s most important public infrastructure and had a negative environmental impact on some communities.
He revealed that his office would shortly issue an executive order to address any Oba or Baale found wanting .
The governor also warned the traditional rulers not to involve themselves in partisan politics saying their role is to support the government in advancing development across the state.
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 wellbeing 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.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Oba Olugbenle, appreciated 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.
Stop illegal sales of government land – Gov Abiodun warns traditional rulers
