L-R: Governor Dapo Abiodun; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kabir Ishola Animashaun
* Monarchs’ historic meeting will strengthen cultural ties, provide platform and opportunity for mutual collaboration and cooperation for the socio-economic development – Abiodun
By Nudoiba Ojen
It was yet another moment to celebrate history and cultural heritage on Tuesday when traditional rulers from Lagos State gathered with their counterparts in Ogun State for growth and harmony among them and their communities.
The monarchs at the gathering included the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi; and and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kabir Ishola Animashaun.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Chairman, Ogun State Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi were also at the historic and auspicious moment.
The occasion was the historic visit
by Ijebu monarchs based in Lagos State, under the auspices of Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum, to the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona, in his Palace in Ijebu Ode.
The leader of the delegation from Lagos State who is also the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi, said the Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum was formed to pursue growth, inclusion, harmony and the aspiration of the Ijebu people.
Oba Sotobi commended the contribution of the Awujale in the development of Ijebuland.
Speaking, Oba Adetona, who hailed the monarchs for the visit, urged them to be closer to God.
The Awujale, who commended Governor Abiodun for not dodging the actualisation of the Chiefs Law like his predecessors, charged the visiting monarchs to pursue similar law in Lagos State.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, harped on togetherness and advocated for the enlargement of the gathering to include Remoland.
He described Oba Adetona as a man of wisdom and good character, even as he commended him for the huge role he played in the actualisation of the Chiefs law in the state.
Governor Abiodun appealed to the Awujale to institutionalize and calendarize the historic meeting so that a date would be set aside every year to celebrate the Ijebuland heritage.
Abiodun said, “The historic meeting of the monarchs would strengthen cultural ties, provide a platform and opportunity to discuss the area of mutual collaboration and cooperation for the socio-economic development, understanding and progress of the state and the people”.
He noted the historical affinity between all monarchs of Ijebu extraction in Ogun and Lagos states despite geographical boundaries, saying, “It is imperative to begin to use that affinity as an avenue to drive socio-economic development and security between the two states”.
Abiodun said, “The responsibilities placed on the shoulders of traditional rulers are immense. Their roles extend beyond the custodians of culture.They are also change agents and advocates for development and bridge builders between the government and the people.
“As the governor of Ogun State, I must assure you of our administration’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of our rich history and cultural heritage and successful implementation of our building our future together agenda.
“We will continue to invest in programmes and initiatives that celebrate our history, empower our traditional institution and promote our cultural adversity. We understand that culture is a venture of social cohesion, economic progress and socio-economic development.
“Traditional institutions are simply built on the history, ancestors, culture, customs, religion and values of the people.
“For us in Ogun State, we remain committed to fostering unity and collaboration among all various ethnic groups in the state so that together we can overcome the challenges and achieve remarkable progress in all sectors
“Today at this gathering, our monarchs seated here are not just occupants of the various stools of their forebears, they are also the vital link between the past and the future, they are the embodiment of essentialism among the people,” he said.
Governor Abiodun while commending the collaboration of the traditional institution with both the state and federal governments, said that the collaboration had helped in the provision of intelligence, dispute resolution, security and socio-economic development.
