IJebu East, Nigeria — Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on traditional rulers to prioritize the development of their domains and partner with the government to achieve rapid development at the grassroots.

Abiodun made the call on Saturday during the official installation and presentation of the instruments of office to the new Alaye of Imobi Land, Oba Fatai Olatunji Balogun, in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the governor emphasized the state government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and attracting high-value investments for the collective benefit of the people.

“There is no doubt that as a responsible government, our administration has always recognised the roles of our royal fathers in advancing peace and driving rapid development across the state,” Abiodun stated.

He urged royal fathers to continue supporting the government's development drive and encouraged the people of Imobi to become proactive champions of the state government’s investment initiatives.

The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, congratulated the new monarch and highlighted the shared responsibility of leaders and citizens in driving societal growth. He emphasized harnessing resources for progressive leadership and urged Oba Balogun to remain committed to advancing Imobi Land's development.

The Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, advocated for an inclusive reign in Imobi Land, noting its importance for earning loyalty, trust, and cooperation.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged his commitment to transformative leadership in Imobi.

The installation of Oba Balogun followed a traditional process that began during the tenure of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. The Imobi Obaship Committee, supported by Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin of Noforija, led the process to the late Awujale.

The late Awujale had endorsed Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of revered traditional rulers in Ijebuland, chaired by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeola Adedeji Adebajo, to deliberate on the Imobi Obaship.

Despite criticisms and doubts from some individuals during the process, the Ogun State Government's eventual confirmation and installation of Oba Abdul Fatai Balogun brought the process to a successful conclusion.

Community stakeholders appealed to all Imobi indigenes and residents to set aside disagreements and work together for the community's development. They urged the people to shun conspiracy, hypocrisy, disunity, and non-cooperation, embracing unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility under the new Alaye's leadership.

The installation of Oba Balogun, Gbadewolu I, is seen by stakeholders as the commencement of a new chapter for Imobi Land, with expectations that the new traditional institution will foster peace, unity, development, and stronger cooperation among the various communities and groups within Imobi.

Dignitaries present included the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja; Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, Obiri of Ayepe; Oba Kasali Muftau, Moyegeso of Itele; and other traditional rulers.

The Apex Body for Imobi Development was represented by Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Elder Titilayo Okeowo, and Omooba Lekan Bakare. The Imobi Descendants Union was led by its chairman, Mr B.S. Lawal, while the Imobi Sons and Daughters Union was represented by its leader, Comrade Wasiu Idowu.

Other notable attendees included Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Prince Ayodele Adefuye, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Mr B.S. Lawal, former Ogun State House of Assembly member Hon. Sola Adams, and other political and community leaders.