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.

…Says Appointments Well-deserved

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his choices in the recent appointments.

Olayiwola in a statement, on Thursday, congratulated the new appointtees adding that going by their efforts during the Omituntun 2.0 campaign, the appointments are well-deserved.

The statement reads in part: “This diverse array of appointments reflect a strategic approach to addressing various facets of governance.

“Hon. Ramota Agberemi Dabo, the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is a round peg fit for the job.

“I want to acknowledge her dedication to service, the importance of her role in the intricate fabric of local governance. I commend her commitment and I foresee her valuable contributions to the Ministry and the broader development of Oyo State.”

Olayiwola also extended his best wishes to all recently appointed officials, recognizing the collective impact they are poised to make in their respective responsibilities.

As they embark on their duties, the commissioner emphasized the significance of teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to the betterment of Oyo State.

He expressed optimism that, collectively, the appointees will contribute significantly to the realization of shared goals and aspirations, fostering positive change and progress in our State.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the installation of 48 chieftaincy title holders, including three Royal Highnesses, one coronet-wearing Oba and 44 Baales in various Local Governments of the State.

The approval was granted by the Governor sequel to a memo raised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, the approval became imperative following the vacancies created in the various stools as they affect each Local Government as a result of the demise of the previous holders of the respective titles.

It added that the administrative processes of filling the 48 chieftaincy titles had been concluded in accordance with the provision of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, Cap.28 Section 15 (a&b) and that there was no court case or restraining order on any of the approved chieftaincy titles