Nationnewslead reports that Governor, State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has lauded the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, for what he termed unprecedented transformation in the town, within the last 12 years of his reign.
Oyetola, specifically commended the efforts of the revered monarch in the area of health, education, peace and infrastructure, adding that the people of Iragbiji will forever remain grateful to the king for his selfless service to humanity.
The governor gave the commendation on Thursday, at the 12th coronation anniversary colloquium of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, with the theme, ‘Sustainable Community and National Development: Creating a Synergy between Traditional Institutions and Government’, held at the ancient town.
Recall that Oba Olabomi, who had earlier marked his 12th coronation anniversary in low key in May this year had postponed the celebrations in adherence to government’s directives on Covid-19 safety precautions.
Oyetola, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Benedict Alabi, said as a bridge between the old and the new Iragbiji, the royal father has shown the way to deliver sustainable development for the better future of the ancient town, the state and the country in general, through the colloquium.
He noted that the choice of Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as the lead Speaker at the colloquium was very apt, considering the remarkable strides he is making in Lagos State and his outstanding contributions towards the development of the nation.
He said, “As a bridge between the old and the new Iragbiji, indeed the Iragbiji of his dream, Aragbiji Odundun VI has convoked today’s Colloquium to provide a template and barometer for defining and measuring the Iragbiji of the future.
“The topic of this Colloquium, ‘Sustainable Community and National Development: Creating a Synergy between Traditional Institutions and Government’, is apt at this period of sore developmental and economic challenges ravaging the nation and the seeming gaps between government and traditional institutions which are the closest to the people.
“I have no doubt that with the array of Speaker and discussants as well as the relevance of the topics lined up, we are close to closing the gaps that have made sustainable development a mirage for decades.
“Intellectualism is the strength and lifeline of real development as it provides the theoretical basis, foundation and template for delivering sustainable development and progress. This is the intervention that today’s Colloquium is out to achieve in the development of Iragbiji and the nation as the outcomes of this engagement will serve as bases for moving us forward as a people.
“Aragbiji Odundun VI is committed to delivering sustainable development to Iragbiji. With the convocation of this Colloquium and the theme of this year’s Iragbiji Day which is ‘Development for Progress’, Iragbiji is on the auto lane of sustainable development”.
The lead Speaker, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, in his earlier address
emphasised the seeming disconnect between the traditional institution and the modern government, saying traditional institution remains a veritable instrument of political stability and enviable growth.
Sanwo-olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, said there was need for synergy between the government and the traditional institution, as he advocated for assigning more roles to royal fathers as the closest to the grassroots.
The Lagos State Governor explained that the best way of institutionalising governmental policies amongst the people with viable blueprint of implementation is to take it through the traditional institution.
