Prioritise development of your domain, Abiodun urges traditional rulers
August 15, 2026 10:44 am
Second from left, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ganiyu Hamzat, the new Alaye of Imobi, Oba Fatai Olatunji Balogun, his wife and others during the installation and presentation of staff office to the new monarch.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on traditional rulers to prioritise the development of their domains and partner with the government to achieve rapid development at the grassroots.
Abiodun made the call in a statement on Saturday during the official installation and presentation of the instruments of office to the Alaye of Imobi Land, Oba Fatai Olatunji Balogun, in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the governor emphasised the state government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and attracting high-value investments for the collective benefit of the people.
Abiodun said, “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.
“I urge our royal fathers to continue to support the determination of our government to drive development across the state. I also encourage the people of Imobi to become proactive champions of the state government’s investment initiatives, ensuring that progress thrives within their community and beyond.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, congratulated the new monarch and highlighted the shared responsibility of leaders and citizens in driving societal growth and development.
The council chairman emphasised the importance of harnessing resources for progressive leadership, urging Oba Balogun to remain committed to advancing the development of Imobi Land and the state at large.
Also speaking, the Obiri of Aiyepe, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, advocated an inclusive reign in Imobi Land, noting that such an approach would be essential to earning the loyalty, trust and cooperation of the people.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged his commitment to transformative leadership in Imobi.
It was gathered that the installation of Oba Balogun marked the culmination of a traditional process that dates back to the tenure of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
According to stakeholders, the Imobi Obaship Committee commenced its activities with the support of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija, who led the committee to the late Awujale.
The late Awujale subsequently endorsed Oba Abdul Fatai Olatunji Balogun and constituted a five-man committee of revered traditional rulers in Ijebuland to deliberate on the Imobi Obaship.
The committee was chaired by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeola Adedeji Adebajo.
Stakeholders noted that despite criticisms and doubts expressed by some individuals during the process, the eventual confirmation and installation of Oba Abdul Fatai Balogun by the Ogun State Government brought the process to a successful conclusion.
With the installation completed, stakeholders appealed to all Imobi indigenes and residents to put aside their disagreements and work together for the development of the community.
The people were urged to shun conspiracy, hypocrisy, disunity and non-cooperation while embracing unity, cooperation and collective responsibility under the leadership of the new Alaye.
The installation of Oba Balogun, Gbadewolu I, is therefore being described by community stakeholders as the beginning of a new chapter for Imobi Land, with expectations that the new traditional institution will foster peace, unity, development and stronger cooperation among the various communities and groups within Imobi.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Aladeshonyin of Noforija and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja; Oba Adebisi Okubanjo, Obiri of Ayepe; Oba Kasali Muftau, Moyegeso of Itele; and other traditional rulers.
The Apex Body for Imobi Development was represented by Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Elder Titilayo Okeowo and Omooba Lekan Bakare. The Imobi Descendants Union was led by its chairman, Mr B.S. Lawal, while the Imobi Sons and Daughters Union was represented by its leader, Comrade Wasiu Idowu.
The event also attracted several Imobi stakeholders, including Barrister Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, Prince Ayodele Adefuye, popularly known as Ajoy, Engineer Abayomi Adebanjo, Mr B.S. Lawal, former Ogun State House of Assembly member, Hon. Sola Adams, popularly known as Nishonibe, and other political and community leaders.
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