Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on traditional rulers across the state to lead with humility, integrity, and dedication, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting good governance and community development at the grassroots level.
The governor made the appeal in Abeokuta, the state capital, during an orientation workshop organised for 72 newly installed royal fathers in the state. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, at the event themed “Traditional Rulers: The Harbingers of Good Governance.”
Abiodun described traditional rulers as custodians of culture and moral compasses of their communities, urging them to uphold peace, justice, and unity while balancing tradition with modern governance practices.
“This event underscores the central roles royal fathers play in sustaining peace and progress within our communities, functioning as the bridge between the government and the people,” he said.
“Obas are the living embodiments of the values, customs, and aspirations of the people. It is therefore incumbent on you to lead with dignity, be models of selfless leadership, and work in line with government efforts to bring development to every nook and cranny of Ogun State.”
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, explained that the workshop was a follow-up to resolutions made during the Ogun State Council of Obas meeting earlier in the year. He said it was designed to equip the newly installed monarchs with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their domains effectively in a modern governance context.
“This orientation programme will equip participants, who are relatively new in the system, with the expertise necessary to navigate the challenges of exercising authority in this contemporary age,” Hamzat stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, assured that the state government would continue to prioritise capacity building for traditional rulers to accelerate development across the state.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended the state government for the initiative and urged participants to make the most of the training to strengthen leadership in their kingdoms.
Other dignitaries at the one-day event included the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice, Olusegun Olaotan; the Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, Oba Oluremi Obayomi; Ogun State Surveyor General, Ebenezer Ewulo; and the Onirolu of Irolu Remo, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga.
A communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, chaired by Oba Adefuwape Okuribido, stated that the session had in attendance 11 First Class Obas, 17 Part II Obas, and 44 coronets, representing the four traditional councils in the state.
The communiqué highlighted the workshop’s emphasis on the vital role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, governance, and cultural identity. It also advised royal fathers to lead with vision, humility, and accountability, ensuring the balance of tradition and modernisation for the continued development of their communities.
