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- …As Oba Ogunbayo receives instruments of office
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the new Odemo of Isara, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, to be the father of all and foster cordial relationships among the people of the town as well as neighbouring communities.
Obasanjo made the call on Tuesday at the coronation and presentation of instruments of office to Oba Ogunbayo, who is the 38th Odemo of Isara, Remo North Local Government, Ogun State.
The former president noted that traditional rulers are meant to ensure and facilitate development in their domains, urging the new monarch to work for the growth and progress of the Isara community.
He added that, apart from being a custodian of the town’s traditions and culture, Oba Ogunbayo must mobilise his people to contribute their quotas to the town’s socioeconomic growth.
While congratulating the traditional ruler for successfully ascending the throne of his forebears, Obasanjo charged him to epitomise unity, love and cooperation, with the aim of accelerating community development.
Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Babatunde Ajayi, charged the new Odemo to reach out and embrace other contestants for the royal stool. He also urged him to work for the peace and development of his domain, assuring him of the support and cooperation of other traditional rulers in Remoland.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat, said the installation of a new Odemo is a testimony to the commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in ensuring that the rich cultural heritage is sustained.
He acknowledged that the nomination and selection process that produced the new monarch had followed the due process prescribed by the Stool of Odemo of Isara and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, as well as the 1958 registered Chieftaincy Declaration of the State.
He, however, called on all sons and daughters of Isara to rally round and cooperate with the new traditional ruler, so that the town will continue on the path of progress and development.
“I beseech you to regard this appointment as a call to serve. I am confident that you will concentrate on the task of accelerating the pace of socio-economic development in Isara and Remoland by mobilising your people in such a manner that their efforts will complement our administration’s Building our Future Together Agenda.
“At this point, I want to swiftly inform you of the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law in Ogun State, which, among others, prohibits land-grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the state for personal gains, without due recourse to the appropriate authority.
“I must say that the Ogun State Government not only frown at land-grabbing activities, but detests the involvement of any traditional ruler in such dastardly acts.
“Therefore, I advise our new Kabiyesi to support the anti-land-grabbing campaign by ensuring that measures and machinery are put in place to curb land grabbing and other related criminalities in your domain.”
Oba Ogunbayo called for the support of other ruling houses, promising to “run an open and inclusive royal administration where the voice of every ruling house, stakeholder, and citizens will be heard.”
He disclosed that his palace would work closely with the Odemo-in-Council, the Isara Development Council (IDC) Isara Remo Associations in the Diaspora, youths and women organisations, religious leaders, market leaders, security agencies, and non-indigene associations, to ensure development of the town.
“As part of my developmental vision, I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Royal Economic Advisory Council – a formidable team of experienced sons and daughters of Isara Remo who will guide and assist in implementing my royal cardinal agenda, a blueprint for growth, unity and sustainability in our kingdom”, Oba Ogunbayo stated.
