Traditional rulers in Ogun State have been charged to lead with humility, uphold integrity, and show deeper commitment to promoting good governance at the grassroots while balancing tradition with modernity.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, made the charge in Abeokuta, the state capital, during an orientation workshop organised for 72 newly installed royal fathers in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state government on Friday.
Abiodun, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, while speaking on the theme, “Traditional Rulers: The Harbingers of Good Governance,” said that royal fathers remain the first responders in cases of disputes and the primary custodians of justice and peace.
“This event could not have been more apt, as it 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.
“Obas are the moral compasses of communities and the living embodiments of the values, customs, and collective aspirations of the people.
“It is therefore incumbent on you, our traditional rulers, to always lead with dignity, be models of selfless and progressive leadership in your communities, and work in tandem with the government’s determination to bring development to every nook and cranny of the state,” the governor said.
In his own remarks, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said the training was part of the resolutions reached during the Ogun State Council of Obas meeting held earlier in the year, just as he also added that the programme was designed to equip the newly installed Obas with the knowledge needed to function effectively in their respective domains.
“This orientation programme will equip all participants, who are relatively new in the system, with the skills and expertise necessary to successfully navigate the challenges of exercising authority in this contemporary age,” Hamzat said.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, in his address commended the state government for organising the training and urged the participants to take advantage of the exercise to improve their leadership skills and enhance the progress of their respective kingdoms.
Other speakers at the one-day conference included the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice, Olusegun Olaotan; Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, Oba Oluremi Obayomi; Surveyor General of Ogun State, Ebenezer Ewulo; and Onirolu of Irolu Remo, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga.
A communiqué issued at the end of the training by a drafting committee chaired by Oba Adefuwape Okuribido stated that the workshop had in attendance 72 recently installed traditional rulers, comprising 11 First Class Obas, 17 Part II Obas, and 44 coronets selected from the four traditional councils in the state.
The communiqué noted that the workshop underscored the importance of traditional rulers in governance and their roles in promoting good governance within their communities.
