Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lamented the proliferation of “illegal traditional rulers” in the state.
Abiodun, while speaking at the third quarter Statutory Meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas in Abeokuta on Wednesday, stated that the illegal traditional rulers who were parading themselves as Obas were ridiculing the state’s traditional institution.
According to him, those involved in such illegal acts do not mean well for the state and traditional institutions.
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Abiodun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said, “Those procuring fake appointment letters and parading themselves as monarchs without following laid down procedures as stipulated by the laws governing the ‘obaship’ institution in the state will not only bring confusion to the state but ridicule the traditional institutions.
“We shall not fold our arms and allow a few unscrupulous elements, under our watch, to tarnish the image of our state, rubbish our traditional institutions thereby bringing it to a state of ridicule.”
The governor, however, assured the traditional rulers of his administration’s relentless commitment to their welfare and well-being.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Kolawole Fagbohun, said the ministry had been working assiduously to ensure that the welfare of monarchs is guaranteed and vacant stools are filled.
He said the ministry had successfully pushed through, in line with relevant laws and observance of customs, the installation of Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Negbuwa of Ibido, who were also part of the meeting.
The Chairman of the Council, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his address, appreciated the governor for the 50 per cent augmentation for the four traditional councils.
He described the issue of security as germane to the royal fathers, urging the government to make adequate provisions for funding local security outfits in the state.
