Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged traditional rulers across the state to prioritise development in their domains and work closely with government to accelerate grassroots growth.
Abiodun made the call on Saturday during the official installation and presentation of instruments of office to the new Alaye of Imobi Land, Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun, Gbadewolu I, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said traditional rulers had a critical role to play in maintaining peace, attracting investment and supporting development in their communities.
“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 said.
He urged traditional rulers to support the government’s development agenda and called on the people of Imobi to become active participants in the state’s investment initiatives.
According to him, Ogun’s industrial growth and efforts to attract high-value investments would have greater impact when communities cooperate with government and create an environment conducive to sustainable development.
The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, congratulated the new monarch and stressed that development required cooperation between traditional institutions, government and citizens.
Kehinde urged Oba Balogun to use the resources and human capital available in Imobi Land to advance the community and contribute to the development of Ogun State.
The Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, called on the new monarch to adopt an inclusive leadership style, saying trust and cooperation would be essential to a successful reign.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Balogun expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and pledged to provide transformative leadership for Imobi.
The installation followed a traditional process that stakeholders said began during the tenure of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The late Awujale died on July 13, 2025, aged 91, after 65 years on the throne. His death was announced by Governor Abiodun. He was buried the following day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Stakeholders said the Imobi Obaship Committee had earlier commenced consultations with traditional authorities, with the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, playing a key role in the process.
They said the late Awujale subsequently endorsed Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of traditional rulers to deliberate on the Imobi stool.
The committee was chaired by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo.
Despite disagreements and criticisms during the process, the eventual confirmation and installation of Oba Balogun by the Ogun State Government has brought the succession process to an end.
Community stakeholders have now appealed to Imobi indigenes and residents to put their differences aside and support the new monarch.
They urged the people to reject disunity, conspiracy and non-cooperation, while embracing peace, unity and collective responsibility.
The ceremony attracted several traditional rulers and community leaders, including Oba Ogunlaja, Oba Okubanjo and Oba Kasali Muftau, Moyegeso of Itele.
Representatives of the Apex Body for Imobi Development, Imobi Descendants Union and Imobi Sons and Daughters Union were also present.
With the installation completed, attention is now turning to the new monarch’s ability to unite the community and translate the renewed traditional leadership into tangible development for Imobi Land.
