Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, presented the staff and instrument of office to the Alaawe of Aawe, Oba Cornelius Taiwo Oladokun, charging him to collaborate with government to improve security in his domain.
The governor, who made the presentation through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, said his administration has done something unprecedented in Afijio Local Government by presenting a staff of office to Oba Oladokun, who mounted the throne in 1991, about 48 hours after it presented a staff and instrument of office to the Onifiditi of Fiditi.
He noted that there is the need for adequate security in the state in order to sustain the progress and development that his government has brought about, urging the Alaawe and other traditional rulers to collaborate with the government on intelligence gathering.
He also charged the traditional rulers to cooperate with one another, stating that development would be unattainable without cooperation and collaboration.
He said: “Today’s event is a combination of activities that have begun between 1991 and today. The Alaawe mounted the throne in 1991 but the staff of office is being given this afternoon.
“We thank God Almighty for sparing our lives, particularly the lives of Oba Oladokun and his queens to witness this occasion.
“Within 48 hours, the Oyo State Government has performed wonders in Afijio Local Government. We presented a staff of office to the Onifiditi within this local government. And, today, we are presenting a staff of office to Oba Oladokun here in Aawe.
“We congratulate every indigene and resident of Afijio Local Government, especially here in Awe.
“As the Kabiyesi has received the staff of office, it is the beginning of another journey. What we desire here is real development and I appreciate the fact that this is an elitist environment. The traditional leaders are well-read and exposed to the realities on ground.
“We need adequate security for the enhancement of progress and development that we want to see here, which our government has been ensuring.
“But I want to urge you, Kabiyesi, to improve on the security, because without security, there cannot be development that we all yearn for. When we see something, let us say something. Report strange faces to concerned authorities, as this is a major challenge for our people.
“Let us work together in the aspect of intelligence gathering, as the issue of security is not all about carrying guns.
“The second thing we need here is cooperation, especially amongst the traditional rulers. To experience development without cooperation would not be easy. So, I want our fathers, who are seated here, to cooperate with the traditional rulers so that we can progress in this local government and at the state level too.”
The governor also used the occasion to rally intending investors in the agriculture and agribusiness sector to come and do business in the state, stressing that Aawe is a fertile belt for farming.
“Equally, we want groups that are interested in farming entrepreneurship to come together and speak in one voice. With this, when they approach the government, it will be easy to attend to their needs.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, congratulated the Alaawe, describing the presentation of staff and instrument of office to him as an historical event that will go into the annals of Aawe.
He called on all indigenes and residents of the community to join hands with Oba Oladokun to move Aawe town into a brighter future.
“This historical event marks a significant turning point in the annals of Awe, as we witness the transfer of authority and leadership to a new generation.
“This will entrust him with the responsibility of guiding his people towards a brighter future. As we present this instrument of power, we reaffirm our timeless values that have defined Aawe for centuries.
“May this moment serve as a catalyst for unity, progress and prosperity and may his reign be characterised with compassion and grace,” Ojo said.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, former and serving members of the Oyo State House of Assembly and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo Zone.
Traditional rulers who attended the event included the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Olawale Oyebola; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; and Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Oparinde, among others.
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