Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged traditional rulers across the state to use their influence at the grassroots to promote peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun made the call on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor said traditional institutions had a key role to play in educating citizens on the importance of civic participation and discouraging violence, thuggery, hatred and other acts that could threaten the state’s peace and stability before, during and after the elections.
He described the 2027 polls as an important democratic transition, saying the quality of democracy should be judged not only by voter turnout but also by the peace, responsibility and sound judgement with which citizens exercised their franchise.
Abiodun said the reach and moral authority of traditional rulers at the grassroots made them strategic partners in ensuring that the next electoral season did not undermine the peace and development achieved in the state.
“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,” he said.
He urged residents to recognise the government’s development efforts and make informed choices when they go to the polls, while stressing that elections should not be allowed to become a source of violence or division.
The governor said his administration had strengthened measures to curb hooliganism and political thuggery over the past seven years, citing the recent peaceful primary election conducted by the ruling party in the state as an example.
He also praised traditional rulers for supporting security agencies through intelligence gathering and community mobilisation.
According to Abiodun, government could provide security technology and logistics, while security agencies could deploy personnel, but neither could replace the local knowledge and intelligence available through traditional institutions and communities.
He said the partnership had produced positive results, particularly in addressing recent security challenges in the state.
The governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested all suspects allegedly linked to the recent abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
He assured residents that the government would continue to deny criminals a safe haven in Ogun State.
“Our message is very clear: there will be no sanctuary for kidnappers, criminals, cultists or their collaborators anywhere in Ogun State,” Abiodun said.
The governor further urged traditional rulers to make their palaces centres for peace and conflict resolution by using their authority and experience to settle minor disputes before they developed into wider community crises.
He said early intervention by monarchs could help prevent avoidable conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
Abiodun also explained that the distribution of 60 sports utility vehicles to members of the State Council of Obas was intended to improve their mobility and enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
He charged Oba Gbadebo to build on the achievements of his predecessor by strengthening unity among the traditional rulers and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, commended the monarchs for their contributions to peace, community development and the preservation of Ogun’s cultural heritage.
Hamzat described the traditional rulers as custodians of the state’s customs and cultural values, saying their leadership had helped promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen ties between government and communities.
He urged members of the Council to give due consideration to its resolutions and recommendations in the overall interest of the state.
The commissioner also praised Abiodun for strengthening collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, describing the partnership as important to peace, grassroots development and good governance.
Alake pledges to build on predecessor’s legacy
In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo commended the governor for what he described as significant development across Ogun State, particularly in infrastructure and other sectors.
He said the interventions had contributed to the state’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s major industrial hubs.
The new Council chairman also praised his predecessor, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, for his contributions to the welfare, unity and cohesion of traditional rulers during his two-year tenure.
Oba Gbadebo pledged to build on those achievements by promoting greater unity within the Council and supporting government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of residents.
Oba Olugbenle’s two-year tenure as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas recently came to an end.
