Ajibike olusola
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged traditional rulers across the state to mobilise their subjects for peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as the new Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor urged the monarchs to educate their subjects on civic responsibility and discourage violence, thuggery, hatred and other actions capable of threatening the state’s peace.
He said traditional rulers, given their influence at the grassroots, had a major role to play in preserving peace and ensuring that the 2027 elections did not undermine the state’s development.
Abiodun also commended the monarchs for supporting security agencies through intelligence gathering and community mobilisation. He disclosed that security personnel had arrested all suspects linked to the recent abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to deny kidnappers, cultists and other criminals safe haven in the state.
The governor further urged traditional rulers to use their palaces as centres for peace and conflict resolution by settling disputes before they escalate.
He said the distribution of 60 Sports Utility Vehicles to members of the State Council of Obas was aimed at improving their mobility and enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
Abiodun charged Oba Gbadebo to build on the achievements of his predecessor by strengthening unity among traditional rulers and supporting initiatives that would advance the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, commended the monarchs for their contributions to peace, cultural preservation and grassroots development.
In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo praised the Abiodun administration’s developmental efforts, particularly in infrastructure, and pledged to strengthen unity within the Council and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Ogun residents.
He also commended his predecessor, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, for his contributions during his two-year tenure as Chairman of the Council.