By Daud Olatunji

FOLLOWING the demise of the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, the office of the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas became vacant.

Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun

Consequently, the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun   inaugurated the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, as the new chairman of the state Council of Obas.

But, the state governor while inaugurating the new chairman, used the opportunity of the event which attracted almost all the Obas from all nooks and crannies of the state and sought the support of the traditional rulers for his administration.

Amosun appealed to traditional rulers in the State to support his administration’s efforts to industrialise the state by making land easily accessible to potential investors.

The governor implored the monarchs to be in the vanguard of socio-economic development of the state by also helping in creating a conducive environment for investors.

Amosun also urged the traditional rulers to appeal to labour leaders and workers in the state to be patient with the government concerning their unpaid allowances and deductions, saying he would use the money he received from the Federal Government to pay the workers.

He said: “Please help us to appeal to all our workers to be patient. Things are tough, no governor will be happy not paying salary of his workers. We cannot use the money targeted at something for another thing. Once we use what they (Federal government) are giving us well, they will continue to give us money.”

In addition, he said: “Yes, it is true that we have some money now. I will not deny that. But, you know what is in the country now. It is (money) is meant for the roads and any time from now, you will begin to see us again coming to your areas to start work on the roads. So we dare not use it for another purpose.

“So, I want you to help tell our workers to still bear with us and show understanding that the present situation is not the fault of ours. In the whole of the federation today, only one state can say it is free of the problem, it is everywhere.”

The governor assured the Obas in council that the government would commence the rehabilitation and construction of rural roads in the State, saying “we have started calling back all contractors back to site.”

Amosun affirmed that the proposed construction of a Cargo airport in the State was still on course.

“We didn’t stop it. We will still do it. It is not politics. Cargo airport is a wonderful idea. Now that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria many companies in the state are exporting their goods outside the country so we need it. It is a wonderful idea truly.”

The governor,  however , urged them to extend necessary support to the newly sworn-in chairmen of local councils  as part of efforts to fast-track development at the grassroots. The governor, who disclosed that various developmental projects would commence soon across the state, urged the monarchs to act as catalysts for transformation.