Upgrading Of Stool Of Baale Will Heralds More Development- Amosun
By Olu Osikoya, Abeokuta
The decision of the Ogun State government to upgrade some stools of Baale to Obas in the State would herald all round development and bring more dividends of democracy to the areas.
The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, stated this while performing the official installation, with presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to the erstwhile Baale of the town, Oba Lawrence Olawale Odeyinka, as the first Olu of Siun, which was witnessed by Sons and daughters of Siun, as well as government functionaries and dignitaries from all walks of life.
Governor Amosun congratulated members of the community for the upgrading of the stool of Baale of Siun, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, to the status of part II Oba, saying this would open up the area for more developmental projects.
Amosun who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, commended the efforts of Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in the upgrading of the monarch, acknowledging that Alake had been a rallying point for the entire traditional rulers in Egbaland, which had made the Council to witness peace and remarkable progress.
While admonishing sons, daughters and residents of the town to work in tandem with the new Oba in moving the town forward, Amosun said, “I am particularly happy that the upgrading of the stool of Baale of Siun to the status of Oba came into reality during the lifetime of Oba Lawrence Olawale Olayinka, who was the incumbent Baale until his appointment as an Oba.
I must commend the overwhelming support the people of Siun accorded the new Oba during the upgrading and official installation process. This shows that Kabiyesi is a bridge-builder and a reference point for all, even during his reign as the chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales, the governor remarked”.
While enjoining the new Monarch to be more receptive and responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of his people, Amosun noted that by his appointment, he has become a member of the Egba Traditional Council, urging him to work hand in hand with the Council, in order to promote peace and progress of not only Siun community but the entire State.
He implored the Oba to mobilize his subjects in the discharge of their civic responsibilities, as the State Government relied on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for continued delivery of dividends of democracy to its citizenry.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Odeyinka appreciated all indigenes of the community and well wishers for their numerous supports, which had made the event a huge success, assuring that he would use his wealth of experience in establishing cooperative associations, to devise means of reducing poverty among the people.
He emphasised that the establishment of a democratically and mutually owned community based cooperative association, would afford the people, opportunity of pulling their resources together to enhance economic benefits and financial independence.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Alhaji Jamiu Balogun lauded Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration for its unprecedented infrastructural development in the State, noting that the presence of government was being felt in all sectors of the economy, including traditional institutions that were being given their right place in governance.
