The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, has urged traditional rulers across the 3 senatorial districts of the State to continue to support and cooperate with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun in its efforts to move the State forward.

Hamzat, made the call at the inauguration of the new Chairman of the state Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stressing the need for traditional rulers to work together to promote dialogue, resolve conflicts and ensure that their domains remained peaceful, harmonious and conducive for further development.

The Commissioner described traditional rulers as custodians of the state’s customs, traditions and cultural heritage, noting that their wisdom and leadership had continued to promote peaceful coexistence, community development and a strong relationship between the government and the people.

Speaking on the newly appointed Chairman, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Commissioner expressed confidence that his wealth of experience and integrity would further strengthen the Council of Obas and promote unity as well as growth within the traditional institution.

Hamzat, while commending the outgoing chairman, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, for his dedication and selfless service to the council during his tenure, said his contributions had helped to advance the interests of traditional institutions in the state.

In his appreciation speech, the outgoing Chairman of the Ogun State Obas Council and also the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa land, Oba Olugbenle, commended Governor Abiodun, for his consistent support for traditional institutions which had been demonstrated through practical measures as well as the royal fathers for their honour, confidence, counsel and brotherly support during his tenure, noting that the achievements recorded by the Council were made possible by the cooperation, understanding and commitment of members to the progress of the traditional institution in the state.

The outgoing Chairman in his speech, described the traditional institution as a critical partner in maintaining peace, promoting security, resolving communal disputes, preserving cultural heritage and mobilising the people for development, adding that strengthening the traditional institution remained an investment in the stability, peace and progress of the state.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the state Council of Obas, and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, commended Governor Abiodun, for his understanding of the vital role traditional rulers play in nation-building and grassroots development, added that the Governor’s leadership had contributed to positioning the state as a hub for economic growth and industrial expansion, while also strengthening the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.

The new Chairman pledged to lead the Council with humility, empathy and courage, assuring the royal fathers that he would seek their counsel, value their perspectives and work tirelessly to uphold the dignity and integrity of the traditional institution.

“Let us remember always that leadership is not about position; it is about purpose. It is not about authority; it is about service, not about self; it is about the collective good. Therefore, as we move forward, let us be guided by the timeless wisdom of our forebears and the enduring values that define us as a people: honour, respect, unity and resilience,” the Kabiyesi said.

Remarking on behalf of other royal fathers at the meeting, the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, appreciated Governor Abiodun, for his consistent support for the traditional institution in the State, just as he congratulated the new Chairman, expressed optimism that his leadership would further strengthen unity, cooperation and effective leadership within the Ogun State Council of Obas.

•PHOTO: The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (Middle), Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi (4th left), Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat (3rd right), Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka (2nd right), Chairman Ogun State Council of Obas, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land Oba (Dr) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (5th right), Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa land, Oba (Dr) Kehinde Olugbenle (5th left), Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Ajayi (4th right) and other members of the Council during the inauguration of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo as the new Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

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