The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has set up a committee for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The committee is headed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Ademola Ojo.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who is also a member of the committee.

Other cabinet members in the committee are Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun.

The coronation committee also include the son of the incoming Olubadan, Prince Folaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Dr. Onikepo Akande CON, His Royal Majesty Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, His Royal Majesty Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Chief Hazeem Gbolarumi, Mr Toye Arulogun, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd.), Mogaji Abduljeleel Adanla and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramota Agberemi-Dabo.

Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the nomination by the Olubadan-In-Council of Oba Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland and subsequently fixed July 12 for the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office.

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Monday officially flagged off the distribution of assorted commodities aimed at providing support to vulnerable members of the society.

The assorted food items which were drawn from the National Strategic Reserve of the Federal Government include; 25,740 bags of maize (50kg) and 5,280 bag of Garri (25kg).

The ceremony which held at the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, featured symbolic presentation to Local Government Chairmen for onward distribution at the 33 local council areas.

The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who received the commodities at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agodi Secretariat in Ibadan, the State capital, warned the 33 Local Government chairmen in the State not to share the commodities among their political class.

He stated that the distribution would be a test of transparency on the part of the new executive chairmen across the 33 LGAs. He emphasized that the gesture was imperative to engender the culture of accountability.

Furthermore, Governor Makinde highlighted the proactive measures taken by his administration to enhance social protection frameworks while reiterating his unwavering commitment to sustainable development goals, stressing the imperative of building resilient communities through targeted interventions and strategic partnership and collaboration.

The Governor emphasized the importance of collective collaboration towards bringing an end to the security challenges especially in parts of the State that are largely agrarian such as Oke-ogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso and Oyo geopolitical zones maintaining that without collective efforts, it would be impossible to achieve the desired results in the fight against criminal elements such as kidnappers, bandits, and armed robbers.

Earlier in his address shortly before officially handing over the food items to the State Government, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Zubaida Umar represented by the agency’s South West Zonal Coordinator, Adewale Stephen, the gesture was part of the commitments of President Bola Tinubu towards the welfare and well-being of Nigerians especially to provide necessary support during the economic hardship.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President approved the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS).

“The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.

Distinguished stakeholders, after sharing the commodities and successfully transporting the quantities allocated to Oyo State, today we are here to hand-

Over the food items to the State Government for distribution to the identified deserving beneficiaries in the communities through the constituted Committees in each LGA.

“Please note that membership of the Committee in each LGA is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, State Emergency Management Agency, a Traditional Ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government

Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Groups, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.

“It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Oyo State has been allocated: i. 1,287MT of Maize (25,740 bags of 50kg) ii. 132MT of Garri (5,280 bags of 25kg). The above food items will be shared equally to all the LGAS in the State.” Umar said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo commended the President for the gesture, describing it as a recognizing food security as a fundamental human rights and a key pillar of societal stability.

The Commissioner commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the State under different initiatives and programs targeted at the vulnerable members of the State particularly at the grassroots stressing that the FG food support would complement efforts of the State Government while calling for all hands to be on deck.

“Going down memory lane, Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented challenges occasioned by the global economic recession which has greatly affected the economic well-being of the citizens. This impacted negatively on all States of the federation. Hence, the resolve of all tiers of Government to design social programmes aimed at ameliorating the hardship through distribution of food items amongst other benefits. Otunba Ojo said.

Hon. Oyedokun Timothy, the executive chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, who spoke on behalf of other Council Chairmen commended the collaboration between the state and federal Government which resulted in the provision of the economic support food items assuring that the distribution guideline and template would not be compromised in the distribution process.

Other key stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders in their separate remarks lamented the impact of security challenge on food security resulting into the current hike in cost of essential commodities and foodstuffs across the country while calling for immediate end to the killings and banditry that have plagued parts of Oyo State unabated

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr Mohood Lekan Balogun, lived a fulfilled life and would be remembered fondly for his contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State.

Makinde said: “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do.

“The Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature, on the 26th of May, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State, so that the Governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers.

“Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned soon, because due process has been followed.”

The Governor equally condoled with the family of Oba Dr Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, urging them to take solace in the good life led by the late Olubadan.

“So, I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost Baba but we should take solace in the fact that Baba lived a very fulfilled life,” the Governor said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, extolled the virtues of Oba Balogun, who she described as an intellectual and a patriot.

She praised the late monarch’s dedication to the progress and growth of the State.

Speaking on behalf of the Balogun family, younger brother to the late monarch, who also served as Senator representing Oyo South District between 2019 and 2023, Dr Kola Balogun, lauded Governor Makinde for his support for the late Olubadan and his family as well as the befitting burial given to the deceased Royal Father.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Akinniyi Akintola; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai; General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, traditional leaders, religious leaders and captains of industries were also in attendance.

The Oyo State Government on Thursday and Friday presented Instrument of Office to Six (6) traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun axis of the State.

The new Traditional Rulers installed by the Oyo State Government include; Chief Oyelowo Joseph Oyetunde -Apeerin of Saki; Prince James Okanlawon Adigun – Lasigbon-Kinnikinni of Saki; Alhaji Jimoh Adeola Ayiki – Baale Oke-Oro and Alhaji Raimi Aiki Boorepo – Baale-Iya of Saki.

Others are Oba Abiodun Oyerinde Owolabi (Oyekuleyin l) – Onibise of Ibise-Otu; and Chief Thomas Opoola Olaore (Ariina lll) – Baale of Komu.

Presenting the staff of Office to the Traditional Leaders, Governor Seyi Makinde charged the new Traditional Rulers to work with their subjects for the development of Oke-Ogun.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Governor equally enjoined the Traditional Rulers to be accommodative, tolerant and diligent in their day-to-day administration of their domains while urging the subjects to rally round them.

He disclosed that the Government is taking the bull by the horn, on matters relating to insecurity, land grabbing and illegal mining in the axis.

The Governor hinted that security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility, therefore all hands must be on deck, urged residents that “when you see something, say something”.

In his words, “It is a great pleasure to present the instrument of office to the newly installed Traditional Rulers and to address this august gathering briefly on the occasion”.

“By the death of former holders of the various Chieftaincy titles at various times of the calendar years, the various Royal stools of Baale Oke – Oro of Saki, Baale Iya of Saki, Apeerin of Saki and Lasigbon of Saki which are recognised Chieftaincy under the chiefs law called for the nomination and appointment of candidates from their various royal families to fill the vacant position”, he said.

“I urge you to work together as one indivisible entity for the progress and development of your various town and also, the security and well-being of the people living in these various communities must be paramount because without the people, the community cannot stand”.

“I want to make it known that this administration accords traditional institution a pride of place in the scheme of things. Our traditional rulers are held in high esteem and their welfare and well-being are being accorded priority also.

The Commissioner however appealed to every citizen including the newly installed traditional rulers to cooperate with the Government of Oyo State for the successful implementation of its programmes.

“On this note, I have the greatest pleasure to present the Instrument of Office which is the symbol of Authority to the Traditional Rulers.

In their separate addresses, the Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Engr. Sarafadeen Ahmed Omirinde and Itesiwaju Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ojo Bolaji Akintola, appreciated His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde the Governor of Oyo State for putting their Local Government into consideration by approving installation of the Traditional Rulers.

They stated that traditional institution play vital roles in ensuring maximum security of lives and properties of their subjects.

The duo equally urged the traditional rulers to join hands with the State and Local Governments to eradicate the menace of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling ravaging the communities in recent times.

According to them “It is pertinent to be at peace with other surrounding communities in order to achieve success in the area of security and better development”

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.

He charged the new monarch to work for the unity of Ogbomosoland and the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the State.

The Governor stated this at the event held at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso, which had in attendance former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, who was represented, among others.

Governor Makinde equally advised members of the Ruling Houses contending over the Soun stool to withdraw their cases from the court forthwith as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.

Makinde, who promised to ensure the continued progress of Ogbomosoland and the entire State, urged the traditional rulers to support the Government to build a society where residents are law-abiding and respecters of the rule of law, adding that the State will soon have a law in this regard.

Governor Makinde called on the new Soun to work with other Obas in the State to ensure a functional Council of Obas and Chiefs in the State so that traditional rulers can contribute their quota towards the development of Oyo State. He assured that his Government will reconstruct the House of Chiefs and House of Assembly Complex, which were built around the 1950s.

He said: “It is a great honor to be here today to celebrate the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.

“I rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso both at home and in the Diaspora.

“I have two or three points to make. I discussed with Kabiyesi privately on the steps that must be taken to ensure the unity of Ogbomosoland. But it is not just Ogbomosoland, you must also work for the unity of the traditional Council in Oyo State.

“Several years before I came into office, the was no central traditional Council. So, I do hope, with the coronation and Staff of Office, you will now work assiduously to ensure that we have Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers and make it functional again.

“In the 2024 budget, the complete reconstruction of the House of Assembly and House of Chiefs have been captured. So, there will be a conducive atmosphere and environment for you and our traditional rulers to hold your meetings and contribute towards the development of Oyo State.

“The other thing I want to say is about the people who also contested the throne with Oba Ghandi. As of last week, some of you were still in court. What I can say is that contestation for the throne is behind us and I look forward to them withdrawing the cases in court by the end of this week as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.

“So, the people fighting should stop forthwith but if they fail to stop, as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I will join the fight to ensure peace and progress of Ogbomosoland.

“I believe in constitutional roles for our traditional rulers and there is a new authority in Oyo State called Rule of Law Enforcement Authority. It is with the House of Assembly and it will soon be passed into law and I want your support and that of other traditional rulers in the State.

“On behalf of the Ogbomoso sons and daughters and the good people of Oyo State, I wish Kabiyesi a long, peaceful and successful reign.”

In their separate goodwill messages, former Vice-President, Professor Osinbajo; Senator Akume, who was represented by Sir Olusegun Adekunle; Governor Adeleke; the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi and the chairman of Ogbomoso Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun, described Oba Ghandi as a trustworthy and peace-loving personality.

They urged him to use his wealth of knowledge and experience to bring prosperity to Ogbomoso.

Speaking after receiving the staff and instrument of office, the Soun of Ogbomoso thanked the Governor for his developmental strides in the State and especially in Ogbomoso zone.

He promised to uphold tradition and display commitment to justice, equity and fairness to all, noting that he would be a king to everyone.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, implored the new Soun of Ogbomoso to cooperate with the Government of Oyo State to ensure safety of lives and properties in his domain.

Some of those also present at the event are the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, among others.

The Oyo State Governor Engr. Oluseyi Makinde today presented the staff of office to the new Aseyin of Iseyinland, His royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri lll, Ajirotutu 1.

Speaking during the Coronation of the King held at Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin.  The Governor congratulated the entire people of Iseyinland, for the landmark achievement made through their traditional system in selecting the new king without being bias or rigorous.

He declared that the new Kabiyesi did not lobby for the throne nor bribed the King Makers while the whole process of selection was in progress.

“The Kabiyesi did not come to me, he did not lobby for the throne, there is no confirmation that the King Makers were bribed.”

“I appreciate the Basorun and other King Makers of Iseyinland because you did the right thing without any influence either from me or anyone. ” The Governor stated.

Governor Makinde however shows his heartfelt appreciation to all sons and daughters of the land for their massive support and turn out during the last election, stressed that there was no other local Government area that superceded the number of vote recorded alone in Iseyin Local Government.

He maintained that the road leads to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Iseyin Campus will be named Aseyin road because of the wonderful records of immediate past Aseyin in ensuring that the Campus came to reality.

Assuring the community, Governor Makinde stressed that he is working on some foreign investors who have indicated their interest in completing the power plant at Ikere in Iseyinland.

” All what they demanded from me is the access to do the road and they will do the rest. I will strive and do the road”, the Statement added

“So on behalf of the Government of Oyo State, the people of Iseyinland and Oyo State in general, I wish the new Aseyin of Iseyinland Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola a long,  peaceful and successful reign”.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola showed his gratitude to God, welcomed everyone for gracing the occasion.

“I am glad for the privilege of welcoming our esteemed guests and well-wishers to this occasion of the coronation ceremony of our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri lll, Ajirotutu 1, the Aseyin of Iseyin, following the approval of His Excellency, our amiable Governor, Engr. (Dr.) Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE”.

“I want to admonish the new Kabiyesi to always be alive to his traditional responsibilities by serving and protecting the interest of his people and at the same, give unflinching support and loyalty to the State Government”.

“I also want to appeal to every citizen of Iseyin and Oyo State in general to cooperate and collaborate with the Government for the successful implementation of the Oyo State Road Map for sustainable development for the growth of Iseyin.

“Again, I congratulations the good people of Iseyin and specially the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri lll, Ajirotutu1, on his coronation and I pray that Almighty God will give him the wisdom, good health and long life to discharge the onerous task ahead of him.

“Thank you all for your love, support, prayers and particularly your esteemed presence at today’s coronation programme.

“Once again, I welcome you all. May the Lord bless you and take you back to your respective destination safely.

Among Other dignitaries present at the occasion are , the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul -Raheem Adebayo Lawal, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni

E-signed:

Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola,

Hon. Commissioner,

Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters,

Oyo State.