Governor Abiodun presents 40 sports utility vehicles to Ogun traditional rulers, urges them to boost safety efforts

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, presented 40 brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers in the state on Thursday, as a gesture of appreciation for their support and to enhance their operational efficiency.

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This presentation took place during the statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas, held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, which was attended by notable monarchs including the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jayeoba, and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

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Abiodun acknowledged traditional rulers as custodians of culture and vital partners in governance, emphasizing their indispensable role as intermediaries between government and grassroots communities.

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The governor noted that the vehicles were not only meant to improve the comfort of the traditional rulers but also to strengthen their capacity to maintain peace and stability across their domains, saying "We recognise the critical role our Kabiyesis play in sustaining the peaceful atmosphere that has enabled our ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda to flourish."

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Abiodun commended the monarchs for their cooperation and assured them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, while also charging them to foster an investor-friendly environment in their domains.

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The governor expressed concern over reports of uncooperative attitudes by some communities, particularly in Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ijebu North, describing such conduct as detrimental to development and warning that acts of hostility toward investors could jeopardise the state’s economic aspirations.

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He urged the monarchs to take greater responsibility in ensuring peace and cooperation in their domains, saying "Kabiyesis, I urge you to work closely with your people to create an enabling environment for investors, as development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of hostility and distrust."

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Abiodun reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect investments and warned that actions capable of discouraging investors would not be tolerated, emphasizing the need to position Ogun State as a preferred investment destination.

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The governor called for heightened vigilance among residents and traditional institutions in view of rising insecurity in parts of the country, urging prompt reporting of suspicious activities and acknowledging efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle security challenges nationwide.

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Abiodun also cautioned against indiscriminate land allocation and involvement in land disputes, describing land as a critical economic asset and noting that "Our land is our oil, it must not be allocated carelessly, and we must ensure that land matters are handled transparently and responsibly to attract and retain genuine investors."

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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat, stated that the meeting was convened to deliberate on key issues of security and development, while deepening synergy between government and traditional institutions.

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Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Chairman of the Council and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, lauded the governor’s developmental strides and reaffirmed the council’s support for policies aimed at economic growth and stability in the state.