Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged traditional rulers across the state to prioritise the development of their domains and work closely with the government to accelerate grassroots development.
Abiodun made the call on Saturday at the official installation and presentation of instruments of office to the new Alaye of Imobi Land, Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun, Gbadewolu I, in Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said traditional institutions remained important partners in maintaining peace and promoting sustainable development.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to industrial expansion and attracting high-value investments capable of improving the welfare of residents.
“There is no doubt that as a responsible government, our administration has always recognised the roles of our royal fathers in advancing peace and driving rapid development across the state,” Abiodun said.
He urged traditional rulers to support government initiatives while encouraging the people of Imobi to actively participate in investment programmes designed to stimulate development in their community.
“I urge our royal fathers to continue to support the determination of our government to drive development across the state,” he added.
The governor also called on Imobi residents to become “proactive champions” of the state’s investment initiatives to ensure that economic progress extends to the community.
The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Oluwadare Kehinde, congratulated the new monarch and stressed that the responsibility for community development rested on both leaders and citizens.
Kehinde urged Oba Balogun to utilise the resources available to Imobi Land for progressive leadership and remain committed to the development of the community and Ogun State.
Similarly, the Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, called for an inclusive reign, saying the monarch’s ability to carry the people along would be crucial to earning their loyalty, trust and cooperation.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Balogun thanked the Ogun State Government for his installation and pledged to provide transformative leadership for the people of Imobi.
The installation marked the conclusion of a traditional process that dates back to the tenure of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
According to stakeholders, the Imobi Obaship Committee began its activities with the support of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija, who led the committee to the late Awujale.
The late Awujale subsequently endorsed Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of respected traditional rulers in Ijebuland to deliberate on the Imobi Obaship.
The committee was chaired by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeola Adedeji Adebajo.
Although the process was fiercely criticised by some individuals, stakeholders said the eventual confirmation and installation of Oba Balogun by the Ogun State Government brought the process to a conclusion.
With the installation completed, community stakeholders appealed to Imobi indigenes and residents to put past disagreements behind them and unite behind the new traditional institution.
They urged residents to reject conspiracy, hypocrisy, disunity and non-cooperation while embracing unity, collaboration and collective responsibility.
The installation of Oba Balogun was consequently described by stakeholders as the beginning of a new chapter for Imobi Land, with expectations that his reign would promote peace, unity, development and stronger cooperation among the various communities and groups.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja; Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, Obiri of Ayepe; Oba Kasali Muftau, Moyegeso of Itele; and other traditional rulers.
The Apex Body for Imobi Development was represented by Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Elder Titilayo Okeowo and Omooba Lekan Bakare.
The Imobi Descendants Union was led by its chairman, Mr B.S. Lawal, while the Imobi Sons and Daughters Union was represented by its leader, Comrade Wasiu Idowu.
Other stakeholders at the event included Prince Ayodele Adefuye, popularly known as Ajoy; former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Sola Adams, popularly known as Nishonibe; and other political and community leaders.
