Awujale: Abiodun urges patience, promises peaceful succession process

File: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

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 during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode.

Abiodun’s Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement released in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

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 vacant Awujale stool, the governor said his administration was committed to ensuring a peaceful succession process that would enjoy broad acceptance among the people of Ijebuland.

He urged residents to exercise patience as the necessary procedures were being completed, noting that the traditional institution remained central to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of the people.

“I acknowledge the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland, our people should remain calm and patient as the necessary processes are being concluded.

“Our administration is giving the matter the attention it deserves, with a view to ensuring that the process is concluded peacefully and the emergence of a new Awujale enjoys the acceptance and support of the people,” he said.

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 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 of Ijebuland for their support and cooperation, assuring them that his government remained committed to addressing issues affecting the district and maintaining peace across the state.

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On economic development, the governor identified oil exploration around Eba Island and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port as major projects that could attract investment, expand commercial activities and generate employment.

He said the initiatives, alongside the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, could position Ogun State as a hub 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,” he said.

Abiodun 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 Ogun State, commending President Bola Tinubu for his cooperation with the state government.

He 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, 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 offered an opportunity to communicate community concerns directly to the government and discuss ways to promote development at the local level.

The representatives 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.