Lawmaker representing Egbado South and Ipokia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, has assured Nigerians, particularly the southwest region, that the ongoing construction of the Sokoto-Badagry federal roads will be completed before the expiration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

He disclosed that Ogun State will benefit immensely from such development, as the road will open up more economic activities in terms of farm produce and boost the internally generated revenue of the state when completed.

Akinlade was speaking yesterday at the foundation-laying ceremony of two other ultra-modern palaces in both Ilobi and Alaari in the Egbado South and Ipokia Federal Constituencies of Ogun State.

Recall that the initiative started last year, and more than 16 towns and their traditional rulers have benefited from Phase I and Phase II of such an ultra-modern palace, which will be completed and commissioned by April this year.

The fourth-term House of Representatives member stated that the effort is to preserve and protect customs and cultural heritage of traditional institutions in the country, as well as involve traditional rulers in the act of governance, so that peace can reign in the land.

According to him, work is at an advanced stage, and in the next three to four months, the palace will be completed and ready for use. “This is a novel idea for peace and tranquillity to reign in our society.”
Akinlade stated that the initiative will help the traditional institutions to contribute their quota to the development of the society and preserve the cultural heritage and customs of the people.

He added that as a proud Yoruba with rich cultural background, it is expedient for the traditional rulers to have a modern palace befitting of their status.

The lawmaker explained that culture and tradition are fast eroding, and there are urgent need to save them from going into extinction, noting that with development, the cultural heritage and traditions will evolve over time.
He added that for peace and tranquillity to reign in society, there must be peace within the heart of a leader.

He further added that the project is part of his constituency project and a way to give back to society the dividends of democracy.

He emphasised that the choice of the palaces is to give the traditional institutions their rightful place in governance and for them to be a unifying point for peace and tranquillity to reign in their respective communities.

He maintained that Sokoto-Badagry is one of the projects that the President, Bola Tinubu-led administration, is concerned about and believes the road project is going to bring relief and economic prosperity to the people of the southwest region when completed.

He stated that the Federal Government is doing everything humanly possible to make sure that the project is completed before the expiration of the present administration.

Speaking earlier, the Olobi of Ilobi, Oba Saliu Adedokun Ajibade, commended the lawmaker for his development strides and his effort in making sure that traditional institutions, as well as cultural heritage, remain relevant in the country.
He charged the Federal Government to expedite actions on the construction of the Federal Government road that links Sokoto to Badagry so as for Ilobi community and Ogun State in general to benefit from the development.

Oba Ajibade noted that the advantage of what is being done is that the development will not allow the tradition to go into extinction and give the traditional rulers their rightful place in governance.

He added that building a palace is an integral part of traditional institutions, which preserves the traditional heritage and customs of a particular town.

He noted that the Federal Government Sokoto-Badagry roads stretch through Ilobi to Badagry, and when completed, it will help to boost the farmers’ produce market in Ilobi town as well.