Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged traditional rulers across the state to use their influence at the grassroots to promote peace and responsible voting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as the new Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor urged the monarchs to educate their subjects on the importance of civic participation and encourage them to shun violence, thuggery, hatred and other acts capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state before, during and after the elections.
He described the 2027 elections as an important democratic transition, stressing that the strength of democracy was not measured only by votes cast but also by the peace, responsibility and sound judgment with which citizens exercised their franchise.
Abiodun said, “Beyond security, I also called on our royal fathers to continue mobilising our people towards responsible civic participation, particularly as we enter another electoral season.
“Our people should be encouraged to recognise and support the development strides of the government and, when the time comes, translate their appreciation into their democratic choices at the polls.
“At the same time, you must remind your subjects that elections should never become an excuse for violence, hatred or division. We must continue to uphold the peace we have collectively nurtured.”
The governor commended the traditional rulers for their support in maintaining peace and strengthening security across the state, noting that their knowledge of local communities remained critical to effective security operations.
He disclosed that security agencies had arrested all suspects linked to the recent abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Abiodun said, “I am therefore very pleased to inform our royal fathers that our security personnel have now arrested all the suspects linked to the recent abduction of students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
“Our message is very clear: there will be no sanctuary for kidnappers, criminals, cultists or their collaborators anywhere in Ogun State.”
The governor also urged the monarchs to make their palaces centres of peace and conflict resolution by using their wisdom and moral authority to settle disputes before they escalate into wider community crises.
He explained that the distribution of 60 Sports Utility Vehicles to members of the State Council of Obas was aimed at improving the mobility of the traditional rulers and enabling them to perform their responsibilities more effectively.
Abiodun charged Oba Gbadebo to build on the achievements of his predecessor, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, by strengthening unity among traditional rulers and promoting initiatives that would advance the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, commended the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace, community development and preservation of Ogun’s cultural heritage.
Hamzat urged the monarchs to continue supporting government programmes and policies aimed at advancing the socio-economic development of the state.
Speaking after his inauguration, Oba Gbadebo commended Abiodun for the administration’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and other sectors.
The Alake also praised his predecessor for his contributions to the welfare, unity and cohesion of traditional rulers during his two-year tenure.
He pledged to build on the achievements of the former chairman by fostering greater unity within the Council and supporting programmes that would improve the welfare and prosperity of the people.
