Governor Abiodun greeting the visiting traditional rulers in his office at Abeokuta.
As custodians of the rich cultural heritage of the Southern Nigeria region, traditional rulers serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of tradition, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said.
Prince Abiodun assured that governors from Southern Nigeria are therefore ready to work with their traditional rulers in order to foster peace, unity, and engender development in the region.
Prince Abiodun said this last Tuesday when he received members of the Technical Committee of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.
He lauded them for playing a vital role in shaping society through ongoing efforts in promoting peace, preserving our cultural heritage, and fostering collaboration among the Southern States of Nigeria.
He said: "As Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum and as an administration, I would like to emphasize on behalf of my colleagues that we are committed to fostering an environment where this strong partnership with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council can thrive, where your voices are heard, and where your counsel is considered in the formulation and execution of government policies.
"Your influence extends far beyond ceremonial duties; you are the bridge between the people and the government, the closest to the grassroots, the voice of wisdom, and the defenders of our shared values.
"In times of peace and in moments of challenge, you remain the pillars of stability, unity, and progress for our communities. All our southern states in Ogun State, with our deep history of tradition and culture, understand the importance of integrating these values into governance."
Abiodun described the southern states as the economic nerve center of the nation. However, he noted the numerous challenges facing the zone, arising from security concerns, infrastructure, out-of-school children, economic development, youth unemployment, and social cohesion, among others.
"These issues require a united approach where government policies are informed by the insights and experiences of those at the grassroots level—insights that you, our royal fathers, are uniquely positioned to provide.
"Your role in conflict resolution and peace-building is invaluable, and the trust and respect you command among the people make you essential partners in ensuring the security and stability of our communities.
"As we continue to face threats to peace, including insecurity and communal clashes, your collaboration with law enforcement and government remains crucial. Moreover, traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture but also stewards of our environment and future. The preservation of our lands, the protection of our natural resources, and the promotion of sustainable development are areas where we must work together," Governor Abiodun stressed.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the bold steps taken to reposition the nation's economy, adding that the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastline road would enhance development in the region.
Speaking earlier, the Co-Chairman, King Jaja of Opobo, Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja, said the aim of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council was to foster unity among the people of southern Nigeria as well as work for the betterment of the whole nation.
Dr. Jaja, who underscored the need for understanding among traditional rulers and governors from the southern region to further engender peace and development, called for synergy to promote the culture and traditions of the area as well as a united voice on national issues.
He said: "There is a need for understanding among the traditional rulers and governors of southern Nigeria for peace and development in the region.
"The aim of this council is in furtherance of the unity of Nigeria and for a better understanding of our traditional institutions in southern Nigeria. We are here, first because you are the chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, and we cannot visit any other governor in southern Nigeria without calling on you as the chairman.
"The council has been inaugurated to work for the interest of Nigeria and for the understanding of the cultural diversity of the region. We hope that the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council will work out synergy to promote the culture and traditions and have a united voice on national issues," King Jaja submitted.
He lauded the state government for giving the state a facelift, noting that the state has grown in leaps and bounds in the last five years.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, said the Southern natural rulers were in the state to brainstorm on issues concerning the development of the region and to find solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the area.
Other members of the Technical Committee that visited the governor are: the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Olofin of Isheri, Oba Suleiman Bamgbade; the Elegusi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegusi; Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; Oniru of Iluland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; and the Elemuren of Emuren, Oba Adesegun Alowonle.
Speaking in an interview, another Co-Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, the Obi of Obinugwa, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, said the Council is in the state to touch and discuss issues affecting the region, especially on economic cooperation, relationships, and security.
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