Obafemi-Owode Chairman Congratulates Onimakogi, Onimagboro, Olu of Orile Itori-Odo, Olu Ibukun Aro on Conferment of Staff of Office
The Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina 'Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has advised newly installed traditional rulers in the council area to steer clear of land grabbing and uphold peace, justice and development throughout their reigns.
Ogunsola gave the charge during the official presentation of Staffs of Office to four newly confirmed traditional rulers by the Ogun State Government. The monarchs are His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, the first Onimakogi of Makogi Land; His Royal Highness, Oba Modiu Ademuyiwa Alalade, the first Onimagboro of Magboro Akeran Land; His Royal Highness, Oba Kolawole Ibrahim Akinyele, the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo; and His Royal Highness, Oba Lisoyi Olukayode Adeyemi, the Olu Ibukun Aro.
The council chairman congratulated the four monarchs on their appointments, describing their emergence as a significant milestone in the history of their respective communities.
He also commended the Ogun State Government for the transparent selection and confirmation process, noting that the peaceful conduct of the exercise demonstrated the maturity and unity of the affected communities.
According to him, the successful completion of the process without rancour reflects the people's commitment to peace and development.
Ogunsola expressed appreciation to residents of Makogi, Magboro, Orile Itori-Odo and Ibukun Aro for their cooperation, patience and orderly conduct throughout the selection process.
He urged the new royal fathers to remain magnanimous in victory by carrying everyone along irrespective of their positions during the selection process.
The council chairman specifically cautioned the monarchs against involvement in land grabbing, describing the practice as one of the major causes of communal conflicts in many communities.
He stressed that their reigns should be remembered for promoting peace, justice, unity and sustainable development rather than disputes capable of disrupting the harmony of their domains.
Speaking during the presentation of the Staff of Office to the Onimakogi of Makogi Land, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, praised the peaceful disposition displayed by the people of Makogi throughout the process that culminated in the elevation of the community's traditional institution.
The commissioner described the development as a clear indication that the community places collective progress above personal interests.
He reminded the newly installed monarch that the throne represents a call to selfless service, urging him to champion programmes that would strengthen peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities and accelerate socio-economic development.
Hamzat also encouraged the Onimakogi to maintain cordial relationships with other traditional rulers across Egbaland and Ogun State, saying such collaboration would promote unity and enhance the institution of traditional leadership.
He further clarified that the authority of the Onimakogi is that of a Coronet Oba and does not include the power to install Baales within or outside his domain.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimi Olu Akinlesi, who represented the commissioner during the presentations to the Onimagboro of Magboro and the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo, stated that the upgrading and selection of the monarchs strictly complied with the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
He charged the traditional rulers to place community development above every other consideration and to regard all residents within their domains as equal subjects deserving of fairness and justice.
The colourful ceremonies attracted several eminent traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Olu of Itori, HRH Oba Abdulfatai Akamo; the Olubudo of Ibufo Ayetoro, Oba Adewunmi Adeniji Odutela; the Olu of Mapara, Oba Abdullateef Amodemaja; the Iyaloja-General of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Chief Mrs. Ganiyat Ogunleye; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kayode Dipeolu, alongside other government officials, community leaders and well-wishers.
The events marked another milestone in the Ogun State Government's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions while promoting peace, grassroots governance and community development across the state.
