Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, Ariwoola Aako II.
The governor charged the traditional ruler to work hand in hand with his administration to develop Ibarapa zone and to tackle pressing issues including illegal mining and farmer/herder clashes, among others.
He said his administration will continue to see to the development of Ibarapa zone, adding that, under Omituntun 1.0, the government successfully linked Oke-Ogun to Ogbomoso and Ibadan and also to Ibarapa zone through the rehabilitation of the Iganna-Elekookan-Iganna Road.
Governor Makinde, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Bayo Lawal, stated this on Monday at the event held at the Federal Technical College, Igangan.
He urged the new Asigangan to unite Igangan by exhibiting the wisdom and humility expected of a leader.
At the event, which had in attendance some members of the Oyo State Elders Council and Oyo State Advisory Council, other government functionaries, royal fathers, the governor said due process was observed in the selection of the new Asigangan.
He noted that the traditional ruler was duly nominated by the ruling house, went through successful screening, and was also accepted by the government on recommendation.
The governor noted that anyone that would become a royal father must be able to fulfill those stages as enshrined in the Oyo State Chiefs Law.
Makinde added that it was encouraging to see that the emergence of the new Asigangan was in adherence to tradition and the law.
The deputy governor said: “I congratulate the people of Igangan and I enjoin Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, Ariwoola Aako II, to work hand in hand with the government in tackling pressing issues such as illegal mining, land grabbing, and kidnapping, which threaten the peace and progress of the 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.
“On this note, in exercise of the power conferred upon the Governor by sub-section(1) and(2) of section 20 of the chiefs. Law cap 28 vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I present the instrument/staff of office, which is the symbol of authority to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, the new Asigangan of Igaganland.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, admonished the Asigangan of Igangan to collaborate with the government of Oyo State on the issue of insecurity, particularly land grabbing and illegal mining activities.
He restated the popular charge by Governor Makinde that residents of the state must always say something when they see something and that government would take necessary actions before things get out of hands.
In his response, the Asigangan of Igangan expressed gratitude to God and the governor and also thanked the people of Igangan and the Oyiigun Ruling House for selecting him as the new king after the demise of the immediate past king, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoye Aribiyan I.
He appealed to Governor Makinde for a befitting palace and the rehabilitation of the community’s hospitals, affirming his readiness to guarantee a peaceful cohabitation and the safety of people and property in the community.
Oba Adeniyi equally conferred on Governor Makinde the chieftaincy title of Aare Asoludero of Iganganland, saying it was in appreciation of his efforts towards the development of the town and Oyo State at large.
