The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has warned traditional rulers against involvement in land grabbing, declaring that his administration would not tolerate any monarch found aiding or facilitating illegal land transactions.

Speaking at the installation and presentation of the staff of office to the new Olu of Orile, Itori-Odo, Oba Kolawole Akinyele, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, the Governor reminded traditional rulers of the provisions of the Ogun State Land Grabbing Prohibition Law, stressing that the legislation criminalised the unlawful acquisition, allocation and sale of land.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, Governor Abiodun urged the new monarch to support the State's campaign against land grabbing by putting effective measures in place to curb illegal land transactions and other criminal activities within his domain.

Remarking, the Chairman, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Hon. Lanre Ogunsola, commended the Governor for his purposeful leadership, while expressing confidence that the reign of the new monarch would usher in peace, growth and sustainable development in Orile, Itori-Odo.

Also making his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Adedotun, represented by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, said Oba Akinyele, was a compassionate leader who had the interest of his people at heart, enjoining the monarch to govern with fairness and shun every form of discrimination.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Akinyele, expressed appreciation to the State government for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work for the peace, unity and accelerated development of the community.

In the same vein, Governor Abiodun also presented the staff of office to the Olu of Ibokun-Aro, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Oba Kayode Lisoyi

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Dr. Akinlesi, commended the people of Ibokun-Aro for their patience, resilience and unity throughout the process that culminated in the elevation of the community's traditional stool to that of Obaship status.

He said their collective commitment to the progress of the traditional institution and the community had demonstrated that they placed the common good above personal interests.

While making a remark, representative of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yaya, congratulated the newly installed monarch and urged him to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence and should also take a firm stand against land grabbing.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Lisoyi, thanked God for the privilege to serve and expressed gratitude to the State government and the people for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust by pursuing policies that would engender greater development in his domain.

Similarly, Governor Abiodun charged the newly installed Olu of Magboro/Akeran, Oba Modiu Alalade, to regard his appointment as a call to selfless service.

Represented also by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Akinlesi, at the installation ceremony in Magboro/Akeran, the Governor urged the monarch to prioritise the development of his community and foster cordial relationships with other traditional rulers in Egbaland and across Ogun State.

Responding, Oba Alalade, expressed gratitude to the Governor, community leaders and residents for their overwhelming support, promising to lead with integrity and work towards the development of his kingdom.

Among the dignitaries at the ceremonies were the, Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatia Akamo, the Olu of Mowe, Oba Oriyomi Yaya; the Onibudo of Ayetoro Ibudo, Oba (Dr.) Adewunmi Odutola; and the Olu of Mapara, Oba Lateef Amodemaja.