Ogun LG Chairman, Ogunsola Urges Newly Installed Obas to Shun Land Grabbing, Promote Peace
ABEOKUTA – The Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has urged newly installed traditional rulers in the council area to refrain from land grabbing and dedicate their reigns to promoting peace, unity and community development.
Ogunsola gave the charge during the official presentation of Staffs of Office to four newly confirmed monarchs by the Ogun State Government. The beneficiaries are His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, the first Onimakogi of Makogi Land; Oba Modiu Ademuyiwa Alalade, the first Onimagboro of Magboro Akeran Land; Oba Kolawole Ibrahim Akinyele, the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo; and Oba Lisoyi Olukayode Adeyemi, the Olu Ibukun Aro.
Congratulating the monarchs on their appointments, the council chairman commended the Ogun State Government for the selection and confirmation of the four traditional rulers.
He also applauded residents of the affected communities for the peaceful, orderly and mature conduct displayed throughout the selection process, urging the new monarchs to be magnanimous in victory and embrace all members of their communities.
Ogunsola expressed concern over the increasing incidence of land grabbing in some communities and advised the traditional rulers to steer clear of the practice, warning that it could undermine peace and development.
He urged them to use their offices to foster harmony, strengthen communal unity and support initiatives that would advance the socio-economic growth of their respective domains.
Speaking at the presentation of the Staff of Office to the Onimakogi of Makogi Land, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiu Hamzat, commended the peaceful disposition of the Makogi community throughout the process that culminated in the elevation of the traditional stool.
He described the appointment as a call to selfless service and urged the monarch to promote peaceful coexistence within the community and with neighbouring towns.
Hamzat also encouraged the new traditional ruler to work closely with other royal fathers across Egbaland and Ogun State in advancing peace and development.
The commissioner further clarified that the authority of a Coronet Oba is limited by law and does not include the power to install Baales within or outside the community.
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, said the selection and upgrading of the stools were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
He charged the monarchs to prioritise community development, embrace inclusiveness and regard every resident as their subject irrespective of background or affiliation.
The ceremonies were attended by several 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; and other government officials and community leaders.
