• Enjoins them to use the autonomy they now enjoy wisely
• Implores council bosses to take governance to every doorstep
• Pledges improved welfare package for Lagos monarchs
• Commends rulers for maintaining peace, unity in domains
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, instructed the newly sworn-in council chairmen and vice chairmen not to appoint secretaries to the local council, aides, or supervisor councillors until approval by the state government.
He, however, said that they could appoint a Chief of Staff to enable them to hit the ground running as they assume office. Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairmen and vice chairmen, said that their election and swearing-in signify a deeper call for selfless service.
The governor, therefore, implored them to take governance to every doorstep in their communities, insisting they must not let the people down. He, however, thanked the leadership of the party and the committees that worked to make the election a success for the party.
Sanwo-Olu further said that the people deserved better roads, markets, schools, and youth engagement, which are not abstract but what the people will use to measure them. He also said that they must provide leadership that is inclusive.
In his address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Kayode, congratulated the chairmen, alongside the vice chairmen, on their emergence — not only as the flagbearers of the party but as the candidates of choice across their respective councils.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, Sesan Olowa, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked God for the day and the state, appreciating the governor and his deputy for their unwavering support and leadership.He promised that the chairmen and their deputies would provide programmes and projects that would further promote the party’s acceptance.
IN another development, Sanwo-Olu has commended the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace and promoting unity in their communities, assuring them of improved welfare packages as part of the state government’s ongoing support for traditional institutions.
Sanwo-Olu said this during the opening of a three-day retreat for the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, themed: ‘Strengthening Traditional Institutions through Collaboration for Growth and Peaceful Co-Existence in Lagos State’.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, acknowledged the vital contributions of monarchs to governance and community development, describing the retreat as a platform to foster collaboration and align the goals of traditional leaders with the policies of the state government.He added that his administration would strengthen the role of traditional rulers in the governance of the state.
The governor, while stressing some critical issues facing the state, including boundary disputes at Isheri-Olofin with neighbouring Ogun State, as well as environmental concerns, such as flooding caused by excessive rainfall and rising water levels, urged the monarchs to support the state government in mitigating the challenges by protecting land from encroachment and avoiding internal land disputes. On his part, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, pledged continued support from traditional rulers to the government.
