Kunle Adelabu
-Admit two new Obas
The Ijebu Obas in Lagos State, again, gathered in Igbogbo last week to discuss issues that are of paramount importance to their domains, state and the nation at large.
The meeting made it the second time that the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade II, has hosted the Obas of Ijebu extraction in Lagos state since the body was created about five years ago.
At the meeting that took place at the Adeboruwa Palace were several Oba(s) from Ikorodu and Epe Divisions of Lagos that constituted the body.
Two new traditional rulers – Oba Ganiu Adekoyejo Omotayo, the Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ikorodu Division and Oba (TPL) Abdulrasaq Akanni Musa, the Origeru of Igboye, Epe Division, were admitted into the forum during the meeting.
HRM Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, FCA, the Ranodu of Imota, who chaired the occasion spoke with the selected journalists invited to the event, informing that they have gathered to celebrate with the host in the tradition of the group and to discuss issues.
“This is an event to celebrate the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Kasali. We have come to celebrate with him and let people know that the whole Ijebu Obas in Lagos are with him.
We have also discussed and resolved on several issues affecting us, the country and the nation at large.”
When asked about the clamouring for a constitutional role for Obas which the group has been championing, the revered royal father said that they are expecting responses from official quarters. He noted that they have made their presentations to the federal government and expect the government to do the needful.
“The matter is within the purview of the federal government and I know that very soon the House of Representatives and that of the Senate will act appropriately on it,” the revered royal father said.
Ranodu of Imota while speaking on induction of new monarchs into the group charged them to adhere strictly to the laid down principles.
“We want them to cooperate with us, we want them to follow the laid down principles and codes. They should be focused on the development of their areas and Lagos at large.”
The Alayandelu of Odo – Ayandelu, Ikosi – Ejinrin, Epe, Oba (Bldr.) Aderibigbe Asunmo, also speaking with reporters said the traditional body has been able to resolve differences among members and ensure cordial relations with Awujale of Ijebu – Ode.
“Since the inception of this association, we have been able to settle differences amongst ourselves and we have maintained cordial relationship with Oba Awujale since we are all related to Ijebu:
“This association has also served as a platform on which we extend support to each other especially when any of our member is celebrating.
“This has been a progressive and developmental association and we intend to continue with that,” the monarch added.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo who is also the Secretary of the body, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, in a chat at the meeting said that the Ijebu Obas Forum has provided a veritable platform for its members to share experiences, offer their views on burning issues and offer advice to the governments.
“This is an opportunity created by the Ijebu traditional rulers in Lagos State, to fraternize amongst ourselves, share experiences and discuss issues of national, state and local interests with a view to finding solutions.
“Apart from these, it is a body that was set up not to challenge the government but to cooperate, support and advise.
“We harmonise and send our resolutions to the state council of traditional rulers and the government, that the state government should look at the various projects going on in our domains for the purpose of completion.
“We also discuss about our members in terms of comportment because these days, the news media is awash with traditional rulers being accused of one misbehaviour or the other. We will continue to discuss this,” Oba Kasali added.
While commending President Bola Tinubu and Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the implementation of their Renewed Hope Agenda, Oba Kasali also charged that they give more support to the security agencies in their efforts in tackling security challenges.
“We thank the Governor and Mr President for what he has been doing in terms of policy implementation. As the nearest to the people, we know how they feel and it is our view that government should let its policy implementations have human faces.
“We discussed about the security situation in the country, and we want the government to support all the security agencies in the country and get them funded very well so that they can deliver.”
