Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has enthroned His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Najeem Ayinla Odugbemi as the Onilisa of Lisa, Ifo Local Council, Ogun State.
Recall that Oba Odugbemi was one of the 75 monarchs installed by former governor Ibikunle Amosun in the twilight of his administration, but was sacked by his successor, Abiodun, immediately he came into office.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, while performing the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the monarch, on behalf of Abiodun, said it is in the collective interest of all to work together for the development of the traditional institution and portray monarchs as a peace loving people that have put the interest of the community above personal interest.
He said: “In Yorubaland, the installation and presentation of staff of office to an Oba is a celebrated event because it is an historic landmark, which symbolises a watershed in the development of any community. I heartily congratulate the good people of Lisa community for your patience and resilience throughout the period that the stool of Onilisa of Lisa was in Baaleship stool.”
“We realised the fact that the traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as the bridge between the people, the grassroots and the government. This is the reason we have made it a matter of policy to reposition our traditional institution by upgrading deserving citizens in Ogun State.”
He drew the attention of the monarch, as a custodian of culture and tradition of Lisa community, to the Ogun State Land Grabbing Prohibition Law, which among others prohibits land grabbing without due recourse to the appropriate authority.
“It is important to note that more than ever before, we will continue to champion all efforts that will allow peaceful co-existence with other royal fathers in Egbaland, in order to justify the mandate entrusted on you by the state government and the people of Lisa community.”
In his acceptance speech, the new monarch, Oba Odugbemi, who expressed delight about the installation, said: “I am excited because it has been a long journey. I was installed as Baale on July 14, 2006, by the Alake of Egbaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Okukenu IV.
“This will be the third administration that will be coming on board since I got to the stool. I give glory to God that the incumbent governor has made it possible for me to be upgraded to this position of an Oba of Lisa community and indeed the first kabiyesi of this community.”
He appealed to the state government to assist in the rehabilitation of the Ijoko/Ogba Ayo – Lisa Road to alleviate the suffering of the residents and open up the area for development.
He regretted that the National Arcade, the only aviation tourism centre in the area, has been abandoned, wasting away due to the sorry state of the road.
The Guardian
