Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has inaugurated Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and the head of traditional rulers in Yewaland, as the chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

Speaking during the ceremony on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Mr Abiodun charged the traditional rulers to continue using their revered stools in promoting peace and unity in their various domains.

He described the traditional institution as an important arm of government that promotes good governance in the state.

“I promise that my government will support and empower traditional rulers by providing needed resources, infrastructure and platforms for effective delivery of their duties,” the governor said.

He urged the state Traditional Rulers Council to advise their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, such as allocating land for illegal mining and unauthorised selling of government land.

The governor emphasised the land in the plantations, warning the traditional rulers against selling such land.

Mr Abiodun expressed disappointment with the activities of some traditional rulers and local royal leaders, noting that illegal mining has had a serious negative environmental impact in some communities.

He disclosed that his office would soon issue an executive order to deal with anyone they found wanting.

The governor also warned the traditional rulers not to involve themselves in partisan politics.

“Traditional rulers’ role is to support the government in its developmental stride across the state.

“However, we are blessed with highly resourceful traditional rulers who have been providing purposeful leadership at the grassroots and who are passionate about the general well-being of our people in our communities,” he pointed out.

Mr Abiodun lauded the immediate-past chairman of the council, the Akarigbo and head of traditional rulers in Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, for his sterling leadership qualities in the last two years.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olugbenle lauded Mr Abiodun for his commitment to the development of the traditional institution and the overall growth and development of the state.

“The entire members of the Council of Traditional Rulers will continue to cooperate, collaborate, and provide the required support for the present administration in achieving more positive results in the state,” he said.

(NAN)