Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has raised the alarm about the increase of fake traditional rulers, causing confusion in the state.
According to The Punch, the governor said this on Wednesday at the third quarter statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas, held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun said the illegal traditional rulers disregarded laws governing the Obaship institution in the state, adding that they procured fake appointment letters and parade themselves as monarchs.
The governor stressed that those involved in such illegal acts have no good intentions for the state and traditional institutions.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said, “Those individuals would not only bring confusion to the state but ridicule the traditional institutions.”
He declared that the present administration would no longer condone such unscrupulous activities, saying that the traditional institution remains a veritable platform to entrench good governance, hence, any administration that desires sustainable development, must collaborate with it.
Abiodun noted that his administration has continued to reverence the traditional rulers as strategic partners in its commitment to an inclusive, just, fair, equitable, transparent, accountable and obedience to the rule of law.
“We shall not fold our arms and allow a few unscrupulous elements, under our watch, to tarnish the image of our state, rubbish our traditional institutions thereby bringing it to a state of ridicule,” he declared.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Kolawole Fagbohun, said the ministry has been working assiduously to ensure the welfare of monarchs and vacant stools filled.
Chairman of the Council, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his address, appreciated the governor for the 50 per cent augmentation for the four traditional councils.
