Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has warned traditional rulers against involvement in land grabbing, saying his administration will not tolerate any monarch found aiding or facilitating illegal land transactions.

The governor gave the warning during the presentation of the staff of office to the newly installed Olu of Orile Itori-Odo, Oba Kolawole Akinyele, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, Abiodun reminded traditional rulers that the Ogun State Land Grabbing Prohibition Law criminalises the unlawful acquisition, allocation and sale of land.

He urged the new monarch to support the state’s campaign against land grabbing by putting effective measures in place to curb illegal land transactions and other criminal activities within his domain.

The Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Lanre Ogunsola, commended the governor’s leadership and expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Akinyele would usher in peace, growth and sustainable development in Orile Itori-Odo.

Also speaking, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, represented by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, described the new monarch as a compassionate leader committed to the welfare of his people. He urged Oba Akinyele to govern with fairness and without discrimination.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinyele thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work for the peace, unity and accelerated development of the community.

At a separate ceremony, Abiodun presented the staff of office to the Olu of Ibokun-Aro, Oba Kayode Lisoyi, also in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

Represented by Akinlesi, the governor commended the people of Ibokun-Aro for their patience, resilience and unity throughout the process that culminated in the elevation of the community’s traditional stool to an Obaship.

He said their commitment to the progress of the traditional institution demonstrated that they had placed the collective interest above personal considerations.

Representing the Alake of Egbaland, the Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yaya, congratulated the newly installed monarch and urged him to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence while taking a firm stand against land grabbing.

Responding, Oba Lisoyi expressed gratitude to the state government and the people of the community for the trust placed in him, promising to pursue policies that would promote peace and accelerate development in his domain.

Similarly, the governor installed the Olu of Magboro/Akeran, Oba Modiu Alalade, charging him to regard his appointment as a call to selfless service.

Speaking through Akinlesi during the installation ceremony, Abiodun urged the monarch to prioritise the development of his community and maintain cordial relations with other traditional rulers in Egbaland and across Ogun State.

Oba Alalade thanked the governor, community leaders and residents for their support, pledging to lead with integrity and work towards the development of his kingdom.

Among dignitaries at the ceremonies were the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo; the Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yaya; the Onibudo of Ayetoro Ibudo, Oba Adewunmi Odutola; and the Olu of Mapara, Oba Lateef Amodemaja.