Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on traditional rulers across Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest, to prioritise peace and actively drive development within their respective domains.
Obasanjo made the call on Tuesday at the installation and presentation of staff of office to the new Odemo of Isara Kingdom, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, where he stressed the need for monarchs to mobilise their communities and complement government efforts in improving grassroots development.
He said traditional rulers occupy a strategic position in national development and must consistently add value to the lives of their subjects while promoting unity, peace, and socio-economic progress.
Congratulating the new monarch, Obasanjo urged Oba Ogunbayo to serve as a father to all, foster harmony within Isara and neighbouring communities, and mobilise his people towards sustainable development.
“I must thank our Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for approving the installation of our brother and Kabiyesi, Oba Peter Ogunbayo, as the new Odemo of Isara Remo. We are grateful to the governor,” he said.
“My advice is in line with what the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has said. The essence of installing traditional rulers is to enhance peace and further development in their domains.
“I am happy that the new Odemo has been involved in community development before his enthronement, and he must continue on that path. That is why God has given him this grace to lead this great town.
“I urge you to work in cooperation with others for the upliftment of this community. We achieve more when we work together in unity. I pray God makes your reign peaceful and memorable.”
Also speaking, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, advised the new monarch to reconcile with other contestants for the throne and prioritise peace and development, assuring him of the support of fellow traditional rulers.
Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, described the installation as evidence of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
He said due process was followed in the selection of the monarch and urged residents to support the new Odemo in driving development. Hamzat also warned against land grabbing, stressing that the government would not tolerate any involvement of traditional rulers in illegal land dealings.
He further charged the monarch to view his appointment as a call to service and to mobilise his people in alignment with the state government’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda for accelerated socio-economic development in Isara and Remoland.
“At this point, I want to swiftly inform you of the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law in Ogun State, which, among others, prohibits land-grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the state for personal gains, without due recourse to the appropriate authority.
“I must say that the Ogun State Government not only frowns at land-grabbing activities but detests the involvement of any traditional ruler in such dastardly acts.
“Therefore, I advise our new Kabiyesi to support the anti-land-grabbing campaign by ensuring that measures and machinery are put in place to curb land grabbing and other related criminalities in your domain,” Hazmat stated.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ogunbayo called for unity and pledged an inclusive administration that would carry along all stakeholders, including ruling houses, youths, women, and the diaspora community.
He also unveiled plans to establish a Royal Economic Advisory Council to drive his development agenda and promote growth, unity, and sustainability in the Isara Kingdom.
Credit:thenationolineng.net
