Ibarapa born Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry, and Cooperative in Oyo state, Otunba Ademola Ojo has expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Asigangan of Igangan in Ibarapa North local government, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, Ariwoola Aakko II, in bringing his network of influential friends and associates to bear on the development of the area.
This Commissioner equally congratulated Onimeleke of Imeleke, Oba Surajudeen Babatunde Obatade and Bansa of Ilusa, Oba Olukunle Johnson Makinde, both in Igboora, Ibarapa Central local government, as they also received their staff of office from the governor of Oyo state.
While the Asigangan of Igangan received his staff of office from governor Seyi Makinde yesterday February 19, Onimeleke of Igboora and Bansa of Ilusa Igboora received theirs today, February 20.
Otunba Ojo disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the staff of office presented to the monarch by the executive governor, Engr Seyi Makinde marked a significant milestone in the traditional and cultural heritage of Iganganland.
While congratulating the trio, the Commissioner noted that the staff of office presented to the monarchs symbolize authority and power of traditional leadership in their various domains and called for unwavering support of the people towards transformative programs and agenda that would engender practical development in Ibarapa geopolitical zone.
Otunba Ojo who is popularly known as ‘Ijaya’ expressed confidence in the reign of the new monarchs which he said would usher in more prosperity as well as the socio-economic and socio-cultural development of Ibarapaland.
Otunba Ojo, who was a former executive chairman of Ibarapa Central local government and President of ALGON–Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter, stressed the role and importance of a strengthened traditional institution to grassroots development and entrenched democracy.
“The gesture represents a symbol of authority and recognition bestowed upon the King, signifying his rightful place as a custodian of tradition and a leader within his domain.
“This ceremonial event carries deep historical and cultural significance which reinforce the bond between the monarchs and the good people of Igboora and Ibarapa land as a whole.
“The presentation of staff of office to our obas by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde also emphasizes the importance of upholding traditional values in modern society since the role and importance of the traditional institution can not be overemphasized in the evolution of our growing democracy and grassroots development.” The Commissioner said.
Otunba Ojo however, described Governor Seyi Makinde as a bridge connecting the traditional institution more closely with government with several policies and programs under the present administration that have adequately projected Oyo state’s socio-cultural tradition and heritage.
