Ogun State Government is set to honour the Olu of Igbeinland, Lisoyi 1, Oba Festus Oluwole Makinde.
The award, according to the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice M.A. Dipeolu, is in recognition of Oba Makinde’s support and contribution to the judiciary in the state.
A statement by the Baaroyin of Igbeinland, Chief Olufemi Shodunke, said that in a swift response, the monarch declared: “I thank my Creator for this great honour by the judiciary in my home state.”
In a letter signed by Justice Dipeolu, the award will be conferred on the monarch on May 4, 2021 by 10am at the Magistrate Court, Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.
According to the Chief Judge, the conferment will be performed during the inauguration of the Ogun Multi-Door Governing Council.
“In recognition of Your Majesty’s support and contribution towards the establishment of OMDC in Ogun State, Your Majesty will be recognized with an award on the said day,” Justice Dipeolu explained.
She stated in the letter reference CJ/C.207/VOL.II/09 dated March 31, 2021 that the inauguration followed last year Multi-Door Court House Law of Ogun State signed by the governor.
“By virtue of Section 7 of the said law, the Ogun Multi-Door Court House are to be administered by a Governing Council under the supervision of the Hon. Chief Judge,” she stressed.
Justice Dipeolu added: “In the light of the above worthy jurists and esteemed personalities carefully selected from the Judiciary, Council of Obas, League of Imams, Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Bar Association in the State have been nominated to serve as members of the Governing Council.
“Your Majesty is hereby invited to the inauguration of the Governing Council on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 10am at the Magistrate Court, Isabo, Abeokuta,” she said, adding: “Your Majesty’s distinguished presence will be appreciated.”
Oba Makinde, however, expressed appreciation to the government for recognising his contributions to the judiciary in particularly and the state in general.
“This gesture from the Ogun State of Nigeria judiciary did not come as a surprise to me much because this will be the second time I am being honoured on the same project,” the highly elated traditional ruler said.
He added: “Sometimes in 2018, while commissioning Multi-Door Court House project, I was given an award of recognition as Olu of Igbeinland.”
According to the monarch, the award will be dedicated to the people of Igbeinland who believed so much in his rulership and have been offering needed support and encouragement towards the development of his domain.
