Governor’s aide congratulates newly installed traditional rulers in Obafemi Owode
Commissioner urges monarchs to promote peace, development and lawful leadership
Government says appointments followed Ogun State Chieftaincy Law
The Ogun State Government has formally presented staff of office to newly appointed traditional rulers in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, with a strong charge to uphold peace, drive community development and steer clear of land grabbing and other actions capable of disrupting public order.
The newly installed 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.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony, the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor, Hon. Suleiman Mujaid Ajibola, congratulated the four traditional rulers on their appointments, describing their emergence as a significant milestone in the history of their respective communities.
Ajibola commended the Ogun State Government for the transparent selection and confirmation process, while applauding residents of the affected communities for maintaining peace, maturity and order throughout the exercise.
He urged the newly installed monarchs to remain magnanimous in victory and embrace inclusive leadership that would unite all stakeholders irrespective of their interests during the selection process.
The governor’s aide also warned the traditional rulers against involvement in land grabbing, describing the practice as a growing challenge capable of undermining peace, security and development in many communities across the state.
According to him, the responsibility placed on the monarchs extends beyond traditional authority to preserving harmony, protecting lives and property and ensuring that their reigns are remembered for stability and progress.
Hon. Ajibola further advised the royal fathers to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within their domains, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential for attracting development and improving the welfare of the people.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiu Hamzat, congratulated the first Onimakogi of Makogi Land, Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonola, on his installation, expressing satisfaction with the peaceful conduct demonstrated by residents throughout the process that elevated the traditional stool.
The commissioner noted that the orderly conduct of the people reflected their commitment to development over personal interests, adding that such unity contributed significantly to the successful completion of the exercise.
He reminded the monarch that the conferment of the staff of office represents a call to selfless service and charged him to champion initiatives that would strengthen harmonious relationships within his community and neighbouring towns.
Hamzat also encouraged the monarch to work closely with other royal fathers across Egbaland and Ogun State in promoting cultural heritage, peace and grassroots development.
He clarified that the authority of the Onimakogi remains that of a Coronet Oba, explaining that the position does not confer the power to install Baales within or around 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 appointments were conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.
He urged the monarchs to place community development above personal considerations, maintain impartiality in the discharge of their responsibilities and treat every resident as their subject.
The ceremonies attracted prominent traditional rulers and government officials, including the Olu of Itori, His Royal Highness 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 Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ambassador Ogunsola Lanre Adesina; and the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kayode Dipeolu, among other dignitaries.
The presentations reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions while encouraging monarchs to serve as agents of peace, lawful leadership and sustainable community development.
