Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the people of Ijebuland to remain patient and support a peaceful succession process as preparations continue for the emergence of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, according to a statement released in Abeokuta on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign.
Addressing concerns over the vacancy, Abiodun said his administration was committed to a peaceful succession that would enjoy broad acceptance among the people of Ijebuland. He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of the area, and asked residents to stay calm while the necessary processes were concluded.
He said the administration was giving the matter the attention it deserves, with a view to ensuring that it ends peacefully and that the new Awujale has the support of the people.
The governor said the meeting was convened to strengthen communication between the government and residents, discuss issues affecting the district and present an account of his administration’s achievements over the past seven years. He commended the people for their support and cooperation, and assured them that his government remained committed to addressing their concerns and maintaining peace across the state.
Abiodun also linked the district’s economic prospects to ongoing oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. He identified oil exploration around Eba Island and the port as major projects that could attract investment, expand commercial activity and generate employment. Together with the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, he said, they could position Ogun State as a hub for industrial investment, international trade and maritime business.
He said the port was expected to open new opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and related industries, and to stimulate economic activity across Ogun East and other parts of the state. He expressed confidence that the projects would strengthen local businesses, create jobs for young people and increase the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure provision and investment-friendly policies aimed at improving residents’ welfare, stressing the need for cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and private investors.
The governor also acknowledged the federal government’s support for key infrastructure and development projects in the state, commended President Bola Tinubu for his cooperation, and called for continued partnership between both levels of government to facilitate major projects and maximise the state’s economic potential.
Representatives of market men and women, hunters, and members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, among other stakeholders, praised the governor for providing a platform for grassroots engagement. They said the meeting gave them an opportunity to communicate community concerns directly to the government and discuss ways to promote local development.
They also backed the administration’s development plans and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the people of Ijebuland to remain patient and support a peaceful succession process as preparations continue for the emergence of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, according to a statement released in Abeokuta on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign.
Addressing concerns over the vacancy, Abiodun said his administration was committed to a peaceful succession that would enjoy broad acceptance among the people of Ijebuland. He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of the area, and asked residents to stay calm while the necessary processes were concluded. He said the administration was giving the matter the attention it deserves, with a view to ensuring that it ends peacefully and that the new Awujale has the support of the people.
The governor said the meeting was convened to strengthen communication between the government and residents, discuss issues affecting the district and present an account of his administration’s achievements over the past seven years. He commended the people for their support and cooperation, and assured them that his government remained committed to addressing their concerns and maintaining peace across the state.
Abiodun also linked the district’s economic prospects to ongoing oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. He identified oil exploration around Eba Island and the port as major projects that could attract investment, expand commercial activity and generate employment. Together with the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, he said, they could position Ogun State as a hub for industrial investment, international trade and maritime business.
He said the port was expected to open new opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and related industries, and to stimulate economic activity across Ogun East and other parts of the state. He expressed confidence that the projects would strengthen local businesses, create jobs for young people and increase the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure provision and investment-friendly policies aimed at improving residents’ welfare, stressing the need for cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and private investors.
The governor also acknowledged the federal government’s support for key infrastructure and development projects in the state, commended President Bola Tinubu for his cooperation, and called for continued partnership between both levels of government to facilitate major projects and maximise the state’s economic potential.
Representatives of market men and women, hunters, and members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, among other stakeholders, praised the governor for providing a platform for grassroots engagement. They said the meeting gave them an opportunity to communicate community concerns directly to the government and discuss ways to promote local development. They also backed the administration’s development plans and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
