The Oyo State Government on Thursday, January 25, and Friday, January 26, 2024, presented the Instrument of Office to Six traditional rulers in the Oke-Ogun axis of the State.
The new traditional rulers installed by the state government are; 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 the day-to-day administration of their domains while urging the subjects to rally around them.
He disclosed that the government is taking the bull by the horns, on matters relating to insecurity, land grabbing and illegal mining in the axis.
The Governor hinted that the security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility, therefore, all hands must be on deck, and 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. I urge you to work together as one indivisible entity for the progress and development of your various towns and also, the security and well-being of the people living in these various communities must be paramount because, without the people, the community can not stand. I want to make it known that this administration accords traditional institutions with 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 the State for the successful implementation of its programmes adding, “On this note, I have the greatest pleasure of presenting the Instrument of Office which is the symbol of Authority to the Traditional Rulers.”
In their separate addresses, the 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 state for putting their local government into consideration by approving the installation of the traditional rulers.
They stated that traditional institution play vital roles in ensuring maximum security of the 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 to achieve success in the area of security and better development.”
