Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has inaugurated the Olu of Ilaro/head of traditional rulers in Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, as Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.
Speaking during the ceremony on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Abiodun charged the traditional rulers to continue using their revered stools in promoting peace and unity in their various domains.
He described the traditional institution as an important arm of government in the enthronement of good governance in the state.
“I promise that my government will support and empower traditional rulers through the provision of needed resources, infrastructure and platforms for effective delivery of their duties,” the governor said.
He urged the State Traditional Rulers Council to advise their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, such as allocating land for illegal mining and unauthorised selling of government land.
The governor laid emphasis on the land in the plantations, warning the traditional rulers against selling such land.
Abiodun who expressed disappointment with the activities of some of traditional rulers and local royal leaders noted that illegal mining has had serious negative environmental impact in some communities.
He disclosed that an Executive Order would soon be issued from his office to deal with any one of them found wanting.
The governor also warned the traditional rulers not to involve themselves in partisan politics.
“Traditional rulers’ role is to support government in its developmental stride across the state.
“However, we are blessed with highly resourceful traditional rulers who have been providing purposeful leadership at the grassroots and who are passionate about the general well-being of our people in our communities,” he pointed out.
Abiodun lauded the immediate-past Chairman of the council, the Akarigbo and head of traditional rulers in Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, for his sterling leadership qualities in the last two years.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olugbenle, lauded Abiodun for his commitment to the development of the traditional institution, as well as the all-round growth and development of the state.
“The entire members of the Council of Traditional Rulers will continue to cooperate, collaborate, and provide the required support for the present administration in achieving more positive results in the state,” he said.
