The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday, urged traditional rulers in the state to continue to work for peace, security and unity in their respective domains for the overall growth and development of the state.
Abiodun spoke during the presentation of staff of office to the new Olofin of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Osolo, held at Methodist School.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat, emphasized the need for the royal fathers who are the closest to the grassroots to always pursue peace in their communities as no meaningful development could take place in a chaotic environment.
He commended the resilience displayed throughout the rigorous selection process and urged the community to rally behind their new monarch for the advancement of Ado-Odo.
Abiodun said, “Let me, therefore, call on all the people of Ado -odo community to rally round and cooperate with the new monarch so that Ado-odo community will continue on its part of progress and development
“I know that the new Olofin has the wherewithal to steer the ship of Ado-Odo to greater heights . It is important that we see today’s ceremony as an opportunity to commence the good work of moving Ado-Odo to enviable height
“Kabiyesi, by your appointment as the new Olofin of Ado-Odo, you have become a ranking member of Yewa Traditional Council, and a permanent member of the Ogun State Council of Obas.
“I am confident that you’ll concentrate on the part of accelerating the peace of social economic development in Ado-Odo by mobilising your people in such a manner that the vision of our administration of building our future together agenda will be accomplished.
“Kabiyesi, you’ll need the co-operation and support of your people . It’s therefore desirable that you do be the father of all irrespective of their political religious and social , you have to be ready to extend hands of love and fellowship to all those who competed with you for the stool.
“I want to charge all sons and daughters of Ado-odo to work with the new Olofin because experience as shown that their can be no meaningful development in an environment of rancour .”
Oba Osolo, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the need to move beyond past divisions and work together for the prosperity of Ado-Odo.
He vowed to honour the legacy of his predecessors and lead the kingdom into a new era of development and cohesion.
He said, “It’s time for us to set aside our differences and come together as one cohesive force united in our commitment to the prosperity of Ado-odo kingdom .
“The faction that once divided us is now a thing of the past with immediate effect. From this day forward, we are united and indivisible entity .
“I call upon all members of our community to join hands with me in piloting the affairs of our great kingdom .”
The House of Representatives member representing Ado-Odo Ota Federal Constituency, Tunji Akinosi, thanked Abiodun and various stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a peaceful transition of power, expressing optimism for a resurgence of Ado-Odo as a focal point of progress.
