Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the traditional rulers to support the Southwest Security Network known as “Amotekun”, for adequate protection of lives and property in the region.
Governor Abiodun made the call at Awujale’s Palace, in Ijebu-Ode, during the investiture of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona as the new Chairman of the Ogun State Traditional Council.
The Governor explained that Governors in the Southwest decided to float the security outfit as a means of checkmating the problems of insecurity such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other crimes that may have negative effect on the socio-economic development of the Southwest.
Governor Abiodun described the traditional rulers as an important factor in achieving effective security system in the State, through their closeness to the people at the grassroots, urging them to continue to maintain peace in their respective domains, by discouraging youths from cultism and other social vices.
He assured them that government will continue to put in place right policies towards the uplift of traditional institution in the State, noting that government would ensure that due process are followed in the appointment and upgrading of traditional rulers in the State.
The State helmsman further explained that the investiture of Oba sikiru Adetona as the new Chairman for the next one year, was part of government efforts at sustaining cordial relationship with the Council as a result of its roles in sustaining good governance.
He advised members of the Council to extend the same support and cooperation given to the outgone Chairman and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo to Oba Adetona.
While commending the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle for his commitment in addressing the violence that would have erupted after the upgrading of 75 minor chiefs to substantive or coronet traditional rulers by the last administration, Prince Abiodun said his government had adopted the report of his Committee and implementation was on-going.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Afolabi Afuape, said the Council in the last one year had made unprecedented success through patience, maturity, intelligence and Godliness.
He expressed the hope that the new Chairman, Oba Sikiru Adetona, owing to his vast experience as the longest serving traditional ruler in the State would take the Council to the next level.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the State Traditional Council, Oba Sikiru Adetona, while appreciating the confidence reposed in him by the Goverrnor, lauded the efforts of government in tackling security challenges which have adversely affected the socio-economic fortune of the country.
He said the collaboration between the Southwest States in forming the security outfit, “Amotekun” was a right step that would guarantee and arrest the appalling security challenges confronting the region.
