Oyo state governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Monday officially presented the instrument/ Staff of Office to Oba ( Engr. ) Bashir Olalekan Abioye Siyanbola IV as the 16th Onigbeti of Igbeti land.
Governor Makinde who was represented by the deputy governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal stated that the nomination process of Oba Bashir Olalekan was meticulously followed
The occasion held at the UMCA Grammar School, Igbeti had on attendance, former Deputy governor of Oyo state, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, , the State Head Of Service, Olubunmi Oni, traditional rulers in the area and members of the newly constituted Elders Council led by Elder Wole Oyelese
Governor Makinde ln a keynote address enjoined Oba Bashir Olalekan to work hand in hand with the government in tackling pressing issues such as illegal mining, land grabbing, and kidnapping that threaten the peace and progress of the entire local government.
The governor also called for collaboration and cooperation between the traditional institution and government authorities in addressing the challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.
He said ” It is with great pleasure and profound honor that I stand before you today at the coronation and official presentation of the instrument of office and staff of office to his Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Olalekan Abioye, Siyanbola IV, the Onigbeti of Igbeti.
” This momentous occasion signifies the embodiment of tradition, heritage, and the continuation of the legacy of leadership in our land.
” The nomination process of Oba Bashir Olalekan was meticulously followed, starting with the endorsement by the entire family, the presentation by the local government, and the scrutiny by the Ministry, culminating in the final recommendation of his appointment to my office I am a firm believer in due process, and it is heartening to witness such transparency and adherence to tradition in the selection of our leaders.
” I enjoin and implore Oba Bashir Olalekan to work hand in hand with the government in tackling pressing issues such as illegal mining, land grabbing, and kidnapping that threaten the peace and progress of our entire local government.
“Collaboration and cooperation between the traditional institution and government authorities are paramount in addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of our people.
” To Oba Bashir Olalekan, I advise you to embrace the wisdom, grace, and humility that befit a leader of your stature. Listen to the voices of your people, engage with them, and lead by example in fostering unity and progress in your domain. Your reign should be marked by compassion, integrity, and a dedication to the welfare of every individual under your care.
” I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making this ceremony possible and thank everyone for their support and dedication to the progress and unity of Igbeti. Let us continue to work together for a brighter future for generations to come.
The Oyo state deputy governor , Barrister Adebayo Lawal in his personal remarks, urged indigenes of the town, federal constituency and Oke-ogun area in general to cooperate with the new king for the development of the zone.
He noted that while mining of mineral resources can bring economic prosperity, it is important to ensure that the proper processes are followed.
This he said, when these processes are not followed, there is often an increase in criminal activity.
The deputy governor, however said that: “for this reason, under the leadership of our governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has put in place a law that will regulate the mining operations in the state through the Solid Minerals Development Agency headed by Abiodun Oni”
He warned that dire consequences await violators of the law noting that kidnapping, banditry has been on the rise as a result of illegal mining activities in the forests
Barr. Lawal pleaded with traditional rulers in the area to support the state government efforts at tackling security challenges in the areas as a result of those who hide under the guise of miners to perpetrate crime.
In his acceptance speech , the Onigbeti of Igbeti, His Royal Majesty, ( Engr) Oba Bashir Olalekan Abioye called on Governor Makinde to help in harnessing the resources of the town for the good of people of Igbeti in particular and Oyo State in general.
” I appeal for the establishment of centre or institute for geological research for development in Igbeti. I crave for investors in and outside the
country for partnership on exploitation and harnessing numerous solid mineral bound in our land for shared prosperity. I pray for educational centres and higher institutions for academic advancement of our people.
” I call on people of my great town of marble city, new dawn has come, lost love is back, prosperity is returned, and peaceful breeze has started blowing. I shall work with traditional chiefs in- council, honorary chiefs, Igbeti Toro in and outside Nigeria, prominent sons and daughters of our great town to ensure our youths are gainfully employed and empowered through skill acquisition, grant and soft loan, provision of scholarship for our students, our farmers would be supported for abundant harvest, our women would be trained and equipped in creating wealth. I shall work to ensure available and affordable medical care for all. I thank you all for this rear and singular opportunity to address you on this epoch and historical occasion.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola while congratulatng the sons and daughters of Igbetiland commended the magnanimity of Governor Seyi Makínde for grantíng approval and for the Onigbeti’s Coronation
He implored the monarch as theb tradítional head tó ensure cooperation and harmoníous relatíonship with the government to fastrack government developmental projects to the town.
He also urged the new king ” to join hands with the government of the day to stamp out the menace of banditry, kidnapping, illegal míners and cattle rustling ravaging our communitíes in recent times
” It is believed that nobody knows the people and the terrain better than you as leader and custodían of our heritage thus I wish to urge you to assist our security agencies wíth useful informatíon.if you see something, say something ” he said
In their goodwill messages, the Member , representing Orepo/ Oorelope/ Olorunsogo federal constituency Hon. Olaide Mohammed, the Asiwaju of Igbeti land, Chief Jacob Adetoro and the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Soliu Adelabu while praying for a successful reign, urged Oba Bashir Abioye to cooperate with the state government so as to attract developmental projects to the town.
Similarly, in an interview with newsmen, the Chairperson of Olorunsogo Local Government, Hon Juliana Akanni, the Director General, Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni an indigene of Igbeti while also expressing gratitude to the state government urged both the new monarch and citizens of the town to cooperate work on harmony and love and to support government efforts in tackling the challenges of insecurity in the zone.
