Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has charged traditional rulers across the state to lead with humility, integrity, and a renewed commitment to grassroots development, while maintaining a balance between tradition and modern governance.
Abiodun made the call on Friday in Abeokuta, during an orientation workshop organised for 72 newly installed royal fathers in the state. The event, themed “Traditional Rulers: The Harbingers of Good Governance,” was aimed at strengthening the roles of monarchs as custodians of peace, culture, and community development.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, the governor noted that traditional rulers are often the first responders in community disputes and play a central role in maintaining justice and peace at the grassroots.
“This event could not have been more apt, as it underscores the central roles royal fathers play in sustaining peace and progress within our communities, functioning as the bridge between the government and the people,” Abiodun said.
“Obas are the moral compasses of our communities and the living embodiments of the values, customs, and aspirations of our people. Therefore, they must lead with dignity, selflessness, and commitment to the development of their domains.”
Capacity Building for Monarchs
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, explained that the training was part of resolutions reached during the Ogun State Council of Obas meeting held earlier in the year.
Hamzat stated that the programme was designed to equip new monarchs with essential leadership and administrative skills to help them perform their duties effectively.
“This orientation will equip all participants, who are relatively new in the system, with the knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges of leadership in today’s world,” he said.
Similarly, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous capacity building for traditional rulers beyond their installation.
Traditional Rulers Commend Initiative
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended the state government for organising the workshop, describing it as a “timely initiative” that would enhance effective traditional leadership across the state.
He urged the newly installed royal fathers to take full advantage of the training to improve governance and foster development in their respective communities.
Other key speakers at the one-day conference included the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Ministry of Justice, Olusegun Olaotan; the Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, Oba Oluremi Obayomi; the Surveyor General of Ogun State, Ebenezer Ewulo; and the Onirolu of Irolu Remo, Oba Sikiru Adeyiga.
Communiqué Highlights
A communiqué issued at the end of the event by a drafting committee chaired by Oba Adefuwape Okuribido revealed that the workshop was attended by 72 newly installed monarchs, comprising 11 First-Class Obas, 17 Part II Obas, and 44 coronets representing the four traditional councils in Ogun State.
The communiqué emphasised that traditional rulers remain vital to the sustenance of governance, social order, and cultural identity — serving as the heart of community leadership empowered by both customary law and state legislation.
It further urged the royal fathers to lead with humility, integrity, and vision, while embracing modern reforms that promote peace and socio-economic growth in their domains.
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