The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, has commended the management staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their dedication and contributions, noting that their efforts would significantly enhance the overall performance of the ministry and the state’s Public Service.

Mr. Onasanya gave the commendation at the opening ceremony of a 3-day management retreat themed ‘Leading with Purpose Enhancing Local Governance and Traditional Institutions Administration,’ at Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, organised for both management staff and Deputy Directors in the Ministry.

He described the participants as a critical driving force within the Ministry, emphasising that the success of its operations depended largely on their capacity to provide effective leadership and direction.

The number one Civil Servant, stressed the need for stronger collaboration and teamwork to achieve institutional goals and improve the image of the Civil Service in the State, urging attendees to maximise the opportunity to build capacity for improved service delivery.

In his welcome address, Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, described the retreat as timely and strategic, noting that it provided a platform to reflect, recalibrate and reposition the local government system for greater efficiency and impact

Hamzat also urged participants to move beyond routine administration by focusing on key responsibilities such as preserving cultural heritage, managing succession processes and resolving disputes within traditional institutions in line with established laws and customs.

In a lecture titled ‘Managing Chieftaincy Affairs Proactively: Conflict Prevention and Institutional Stability,’ a former Head of Service in the State, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, said government remained committed to curbing rising chieftaincy disputes and strengthening traditional institutions in the State, warning that unresolved crises could undermine peace, development and grassroots governance, emphasising that proactive management of chieftaincy matters was critical to preserving the integrity of traditional leadership structures.

He identified succession disputes, monetisation of honorary titles and the increasing economic value attached to traditional stools, with a mix of political interference, were factors that had intensified rivalry among contenders, noting that disagreements among ruling houses often lead to prolonged litigation and delays in the installation of traditional rulers

The former HOS, therefore, called for stronger legal and administrative frameworks, proper documentation of customary laws and a renewed depoliticisation of traditional institutions, a major factor that could bring back transparency, backed by stakeholder engagement, thus restoring public trust and ensuring lasting peace.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his continued support, saying the retreat was aimed to strengthen administrative capacity and improve governance outcomes, noted further that Government had  a central role in maintaining stability within traditional institutions through the Ministry, hence, the need for all stakeholders to work collaboratively  in order to sustain peace and harmony among Traditional Councils.