Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reassured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027, while projecting a major economic transformation for Ogun East Senatorial District through emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port.
The governor gave the assurances on Tuesday at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he engaged representatives of various interest groups on traditional affairs, governance and the economic prospects of the district.
On the succession process for the revered Awujale stool, Abiodun assured the people that his administration was committed to facilitating a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable process leading to the emergence of a new monarch.
He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland, appealing to the people to remain calm and patient as the necessary processes were being concluded.
The governor said his administration was giving the matter the attention it deserved, with a view to ensuring that the process was concluded peacefully and that the emergence of a new Awujale enjoyed the acceptance and support of the people.
He appreciated the people of Ijebuland for their continued support and cooperation with his administration, assuring them of his commitment to addressing issues of importance to the district and preserving peace and harmony across the state.
Abiodun explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to strengthen engagement between the government and the people, provide an opportunity for various groups to express their views and showcase the achievements of his administration over the past seven years.
Turning to the economic prospects of Ogun East, the governor declared that the district was on the threshold of significant economic expansion, driven by emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
He identified the discovery of crude oil around Eba Island and the deep-sea port project as strategic developments capable of transforming the economic landscape of the district, attracting fresh investments and creating employment opportunities for residents.
The governor said the projects, alongside the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, would strengthen Ogun State’s position as a major destination for industrial investment, international trade and maritime business.
The Gateway Deep-Sea Port is expected to open new opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and related industries, while the associated industrial development is projected to stimulate economic activities across Ogun East and other parts of the state.
Abiodun expressed optimism that the emerging investments would enhance the district’s commercial importance, expand opportunities for local businesses and create jobs for young people, while strengthening Ogun State’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment promotion and policies designed to improve the living conditions of residents, stressing the importance of cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and the private sector in realising the state’s development aspirations.
The governor also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for critical infrastructure and development initiatives in Ogun State, expressing appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cooperation with his administration.
He called for continued collaboration between the state and federal governments, noting that such partnerships were important to advancing major projects and unlocking the economic potential of Ogun State.
Representatives of various groups at the meeting, including market men and women, hunters, members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, commended the governor for engaging grassroots stakeholders and providing a platform for them to discuss issues affecting their communities.
They described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen communication between the government and the people, noting that direct engagement was important to understanding local concerns and advancing development at the grassroots.
The representatives also expressed support for the administration’s development initiatives and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
The meeting provided a platform for discussions on the Awujale succession process, infrastructure development, investment opportunities and the future of Ogun East, with the governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to advance peace, prosperity and sustainable development across the district.
