Illegal Traditional Rulers: We'll not allow them tarnish our state Image - Abiodun

By Kayode Olaomo

The rising rate of  illegal Traditional Rulers in Ogun state, Nigeria is worrisome as Prince Dapo Abiodun expresses dismay over their proliferation.  

 There existence and operations gives room to land grabber to operate freely in the state which is damaging the reputation of the state in terms of property investment. 

It also treathened the security framework as many hoodlums now parade communities on the authorisation of these illegal Traditional Rulers to extort the citizen and residents of Ogun state.

The Ogun State Government, on Wednesday, expressed dismay over the proliferation of illegal traditional rulers in the state.

The government specifically expressed its dissatisfaction against some people procuring fake appointment letters and parading themselves as monarchs without following laid down procedures as stipulated by the laws governing the obaship institution in the state.

Expressing this concern at the 3rd Quarter Statutory Meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas, held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun said those involved in such illegal act do not mean well for the state and traditional institutions.

Represented by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the governor said "those individuals would not only bring confusion to the state but ridicule the traditional institutions".

He declared that the present administration would no longer condone such unscrupulous activities.

He observed that the traditional institution remains a veritable platform to entrench good governance, hence, any administration that desires sustainable development, must collaborate with it.

Abiodun noted that his administration has continued to reverence the traditional rulers as our strategic partners in its commitment for an inclusive, just, fair, equitable, transparent, accountable and obedience to the rule of law.

“We shall not fold our arms and allow a few unscrupulous elements, under our watch, to tarnish the image of our state, rubbish our traditional institutions thereby bringing it to a state of ridicule", he declared.

Abiodun, however, assured the traditional rulers of his administration’s relentless commitment to their welfare and well-being as it did on the recent 50% increment in the monthly subvention of the four traditional councils and much more within the available resources of the state.