Ogun worries over proliferation of illegal monarchs

Ogun State Government, yesterday, expressed dismay over the proliferation of illegal traditional rulers in the state.

It specifically expressed dissatisfaction against some people procuring fake appointment letters and parading themselves as monarchs without following laid-down procedures as stipulated by the laws governing Obaship institution in the state.

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who expressed the concern at the third quarter statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas, held at the Obas Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said those involved in such illegal act do not mean well for the state and traditional institution.

Abiodun, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, said those individuals would not only bring confusion to the state but ridicule the traditional institutions.

He declared that the present administration would no longer condone such unscrupulous activities.

Besides, he stated that the traditional institution remains a veritable platform to entrench good governance, hence, any administration that desires sustainable development must collaborate with it.

Abiodun noted that his administration had continued to reverence the traditional rulers as strategic partners in its commitment for an inclusive, just, fair, equitable, transparent, accountable and obedience to the rule of law.

“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,” he declared.

He, however, assured the traditional rulers of the administration’s relentless commitment to their welfare and well-being as it did on the recent 50 per cent increment in the monthly subvention of the four traditional councils.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun said the ministry had been working assiduously in ensuring that the welfare of monarchs are guaranteed and vacant stools 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.

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 added that the issue of security is germane to the royal fathers, urging the government to make adequate provision of funding local security outfits in the state.