Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appealed for the support of the traditional rulers in the effort to curb the spread of second wave of Covid-19 in the state.
Abiodun made this call, Tuesday, while declaring open the statutory meeting of Ogun State Council of Obas held at the Obas’ Complex Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to him, the monarchs as the closest to the people, have strong roles to play in ensuring their respective domains are protected from the pandemic.
Abiodun, who lauded the traditional rulers in supporting the state government in combating the virus during the first wave, urged them to continue to be more accessible, receptive and responsive to their people and the government as occasions demand.
He reiterated his administration’s strong belief in an all-inclusive government, saying it shall continue to make it a point of duty to consult the monarchs for advice and guidance.
Abiodun added that his government would continue to ensure that efforts of the traditional rulers in the development and progress of the state are duly rewarded by adequately seeing to their welfare, declaring “we will continue to address the yearnings of this council, and indeed strive to meet the aspirations of our people as we all join hands to bring more development to our state”.
“I wish to encourage our revered monarchs, as the custodian of our culture and tradition, to be more accessible, receptive and responsive to the people and government as occasion demands.”
While expressing appreciation to the council under the leadership of Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for the unrelenting support and counsels to government, Abiodun charged the royal fathers to contribute effectively to debates and resolutions that will in turn promote the socio-cultural, economic and well-being of the entire people of Ogun state.
The governor, however, disclosed that official vehicles would have been procured by the state government to ease mobility of the monarchs, but for the attendant unplanned cost of combating COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the national minimum wage that came at a very high financial outlay, submitting “nonetheless we are committed to fulfilling our promise in this respect. In due course, we shall make our dear royal fathers to smile”.
