Abiodun advises monarchs to focus on advancing their kingdoms

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged traditional rulers to focus on developing their domains and collaborate with the government to drive rapid growth at the grassroots level, a call he made during the official installation of Oba Fatai Olatunji Balogun as the Alaye of Imobi Land in the Ijebu East Local Government Area.

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Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, emphasized the state government's commitment to promoting industrial growth and attracting high-value investments that benefit the people, highlighting the crucial role of traditional rulers in advancing peace and development across the state.

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The governor stated that his administration has consistently recognized the importance of royal fathers in driving development, and he encouraged them to support the government's efforts, while also urging the people of Imobi to become proactive champions of the state government's investment initiatives.

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Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, congratulated the new monarch and emphasized the shared responsibility of leaders and citizens in driving societal growth and development, highlighting the need to harness resources for progressive leadership.

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Dr Kehinde urged Oba Balogun to remain committed to advancing the development of Imobi Land and the state at large, a sentiment echoed by the Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, who advocated for an inclusive reign in Imobi Land to earn the loyalty and trust of the people.

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Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged his commitment to transformative leadership in Imobi, marking a new chapter for the community, in his acceptance speech.

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The installation of Oba Balogun culminated a traditional process that began during the tenure of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, with the Imobi Obaship Committee commencing its activities with the support of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja.

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The late Awujale subsequently endorsed Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of revered traditional rulers in Ijebuland, chaired by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeola Adedeji Adebajo, to deliberate on the Imobi Obaship.

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Despite criticisms and doubts expressed by some individuals during the process, the eventual confirmation and installation of Oba Abdul Fatai Balogun by the Ogun State Government brought the process to a successful conclusion, with stakeholders appealing to Imobi indigenes and residents to put aside their disagreements and work together for the development of the community.

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Stakeholders urged the people to shun conspiracy, hypocrisy, disunity, and non-cooperation, instead embracing unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility under the leadership of the new Alaye, with the installation of Oba Balogun, Gbadewolu I, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Imobi Land.

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The occasion was attended by dignitaries, including the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, and other traditional rulers, such as Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, Obiri of Ayepe, and Oba Kasali Muftau, Moyegeso of Itele.

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The Apex Body for Imobi Development was represented by Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Elder Titilayo Okeowo, and Omooba Lekan Bakare, while the Imobi Descendants Union was led by its chairman, Mr B.S. Lawal, and the Imobi Sons and Daughters Union was represented by its leader, Comrade Wasiu Idowu.

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Other attendees included Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Prince Ayodele Adefuye, popularly known as Ajoy, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Mr B.S. Lawal, former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Sola Adams, popularly known as Nishonibe, and other political and community leaders.