The Eselu of Iselu in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has called on the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, to lead a fundraising campaign among monarchs and indigenes of Ogun West for the purchase of an aircraft to support operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.

Akinyemi made the appeal on Friday during the installation of Chiefs Jerry and Rosemary Oluranti, as the Otunba Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa and Yeye Otunba Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa, held at the private palace of the Olu of Ilaro.

The traditional ruler said the gesture would not only boost the visibility of the Gateway Airport but also demonstrate Ogun West’s commitment to the state’s overall development.

He said, “The Gateway International Airport is a monumental project by the Ogun State Government, and since Ogun West is an integral part of this state, it is only fitting that our people also take ownership of it.

"Let us be seen contributing meaningfully to its success, not just as observers.”

"He also urged the paramount ruler, Oba Olugbenle, to take the lead in mobilising support from other traditional rulers, community leaders, business figures, and citizens across Yewaland for the initiative.

“I want to humbly appeal to our royal father, Kabiyesi, the Olu of Ilaro, to champion this noble cause.

"Let us be seen contributing meaningfully to its success, not just as observers.”

He also urged the paramount ruler, Oba Olugbenle, to take the lead in mobilising support from other traditional rulers, community leaders, business figures, and citizens across Yewaland for the initiative.

“I want to humbly appeal to our royal father, Kabiyesi, the Olu of Ilaro, to champion this noble cause.

“Let our sons and daughters at home and abroad rally behind this vision to acquire an aircraft that can service the Gateway Airport. This is how great regions show their worth,” the monarch added.

Akinyemi stressed that development should not be left to the government alone, saying it was time for citizens to contribute actively to public projects that impact their future.

“The government cannot do everything. It is our duty as patriotic indigenes to complement the efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

“If we truly want Yewaland and Ogun State to move forward, then we must support the government with ideas, initiatives, and actions,” he said.

He described the proposed fundraising as a “symbol of unity and self-determination” for Ogun West, noting that such a project would further cement the region’s relevance in the state’s socio-economic framework.

“We cannot sit back and expect development to come on its own. This is the time for us to rise and prove that Ogun West is ready to take bold steps in shaping the future of our dear state,” Akinyemi declared.

The monarch, known for his advocacy for regional development and royal cooperation, maintained that collective responsibility remains the key to achieving balanced growth across the state.

“Yewaland is blessed with intelligent, resourceful, and wealthy sons and daughters. If everyone contributes even a little, we can make this vision a reality,” he concluded.

Recall that the state-owned airport along Ilisan-Iperu Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state began commercial flight operations with ValueJet airline in October.

Speaking with newsmen after the official take-off of the first commercial flight, the governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun, appreciated God for making it possible.

The governor noted that God had given his administration the grace to envision, to implement, and to see it happen.

Abiodun described the event as a major milestone in the actualisation of his administration’s vision to transform the state into an investment-friendly and economically viable one.

The governor explained that the new airport was a strategic component of the state’s multi-modal transportation master plan designed to integrate road, rail, air, and water transport systems, thereby boosting trade, tourism, and industrialisation. (The PUNCH)