The Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo as being inaugurated the new Chairman for the Ogun State Council of Obas.
Akarigbo succeeded the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland,whose tenure ended today.
The postion of Chairman of Council of Obas in the state is being rotated among the four Paramount rulers in the State.
They are the Akarigbo of Remoland, Awujale of Ijebuland, Alake of Egbaland and Olu of Ilaro.
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Ibikunle Amosun reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and protection of the cultural heritage of the people.
The governor also pledged to continue to hold all the traditional rulers in the state in high esteem, adding that, their role is vital in nation building.
The programme was held at the Conference Hall, Obas Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
Amosun charged the new Chairman to begin from where his predecessor had stopped, noting that their role as an advisory council to the government is commendable.
“I want to say it without mincing words that I have know doubt in my mind that the new Chairman, who we all know as a man of high integrity and quality leadership, will live above expectations in the course of discharging his duty.
“Kabiyesi, I want you to use your royal candour and connections to the high and mighty to support the Council and the government as did by your predecessor during his tenure in office.
“Kabiyesi, I want to assure you that we are not going to leave any stone unturned in this State. We have started the gesture with our royal fathers and sooner than later, it will cut across others. The issue of the official cars, we are going to do it in batches, the first batch of 20 monarchs will be presented with their cars and others will follow suit.
“I want you to assist the government in talking to your people as you are closer to them than we are. I can assure you that we will get to every nooks and crannies of the state, it is a gradual process,” Amosun assured.
The Awujale of Ijebuland urged the monarchs to support the policies of Governor Amosun.
The Awujale who described the governor as the Prophet Moses of our time said, “the Council started in 2009 and this is the sixth time we will be having the Chairman. Since inception, we have been having tremendous change ranging from welfare of our Obas and achievements in other areas.
“Let me put on record that as 2015 general elections is fast approaching, politicians should be careful of turning the country upside down.
“Let me borrow the statement of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal who warned that this country belongs to all of us, we must all plan to nurse this democracy.
“Democratic mandate is not gained by force, but through the wish of the electorates who choose whoever pleases them to rule them,” the monarch warned.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Akarigbo expressed gratitude to God, the governor and his cabinet members for the trust reposed in him.
He also appreciated the leadership style of his predecessor, Awujale of Ijebuland, who, according to him, “ensured that all the quarterly meetings of the Council were held during his tenure as the Chairman of the Council”.
“I want to reassure Your Excellency of our unalloyed support in implementing the five cardinal programmes of Your government. This administration stands out among your contemporaries in Nigeria.
“All the monumental projects which have been and are being put in place since your Excellency assumed office are people oriented and are highly commendable.
“Your Excellency should please note that all the traditional rulers in Ogun State are solidly behind you because of your determination to make Ogun State a force to be reckoned with in terms of infrastructural development, improved qualitative educational system, good and affordable health care services and a host of others,” Akarigbo assured.
While speaking during his welcome address, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo lambasted those who he called ‘political gladiators’, who has turned the postponement of the inauguration into political issue.
“This inauguration ceremony would have come up in March,2014, but for the medical trip of Kabiyesi, which was already scheduled for around that time. His Excellency’s high regards for the elderly and his concern for Kabiyesi’s health informed a tactical postponement of the inauguration to a period when his health would have improved considerably to assume this onerous responsibility.
“Unfortunately, some political gladiators turned the postponement of the inauguration into a political issue for the media to make headlines; they made it a ready tool for their campaign of calumny against the person and office of the governor of Ogun State.
“For any avoidance of doubt, the rotation of the office of the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas remains sacrosanct and backed up with extant law that guarantees its rotation among the four Paramount rulers, of which turn it is today for His Royal Majesty, Akarigbo of Remoland, to assume the office of the Chairman of the Council,” said Oladipo, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
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