Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has inaugurated the Olu and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenele, as the new Chairman, Council of Obas, assuring traditional rulers of his continued support and cooperation.
Governor Abiodun, who made this known at Obas’Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during the inauguration, said the wisdom, insight and close connections of traditional leaders to the grassroots, were invaluable assets to building a prosperous and inclusive society, urging them to continue to provide purposeful leadership, join hands to promote dialogue, resolve conflicts and ensure that their communities remain safe as well as conducive for socio-economic development.
The Governor, while commending the immediate past Council Chairman, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, for the successful completion of his tenure, noted that his tenure was marked with remarkable success and achievements that led to the promotion of unity among traditional rulers in the state, promising to provide the needed resources, infrastructure and platform for them to carry out their royal duties effectively and efficiently.
Speaking, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, pointed out that the unwavering commitment of the present administration to the welfare of traditional rulers in the state was a testament of Governor Abiodun’s determination at promoting the welfare of traditional institutions in their various domains.
He urged the new Council Chairman to sustain the Council’s standard, while maintaining the established synergy between the state government and traditional rulers, admonishing other members to use the forum as one of the veritable means of contributing their quota towards the growth and development of the state.
Remarking, the former Chairman, Oba Ajayi, appreciated God for successfully steering the leadership of the Council in the last two years and for the remarkable achievements during his tenure.
He enjoined the monarchs to support and cooperate with the new Council Chairman and the present administration, describing them as important stakeholders in the “Building Our Future Together” agenda, towards taking the state to greater and enviable heights.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Council Chairman, Oba Olugbenle, who appreciated the Governor for the noble responsibility reposed on him to lead the revered traditional rulers, pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, while working assiduously with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other relevant agencies to promote welfare and progress of the traditional institutions in the state.
He disclosed that the new dispensation would further consolidate the Council’s proven cooperation with the state government, charging other Council members to continue to be in unity and solidarity, so as to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
