The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, presented a staff of office to Oba Egbeyemi Oladimeji, the new Ologba of Ogba, in Agege Local Government Area.
Sanwo-Olu, while presenting the staff to the new traditional ruler, described the occasion as remarkable, after a decade of vacant throne in the community.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mobolaji Robert.
“I, therefore, rejoice with kabiyesi and the people of this community most warmly and heartily. This is a day of joy and truly worthy of celebration.
“It is my hope that kabiyesi will bring his abundant wealth of experience, exposure and talent to bear in the discharge of his traditional duties.
“I pray and sincerely believe that kabiyesi will add value to the lives of the people of this community.
“May the Almighty God in His infinite mercies give you the wisdom, the strength, the good health and indeed the wherewithal to be a blessing to the people of our community,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged the traditional ruler to uphold the dignity of the throne, maintain cordial relationships with other traditional leaders and promote peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.
He also urged the entire people of the Ogba community and its environs to continue to give unalloyed support to the traditional ruler, to enable him to safeguard the sanctity of the sacred and highly revered institution.
According to him, the Ogba community belongs to all and they must unite to protect their heritage.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman, Agege Local Government, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, said Oba Egbeyemi had become the third traditional ruler to be enthroned as Ologba of Ogba.
“Let us continue to pray for the repose of the souls of his predecessors: Oba Suberu Ashade and Oba Ibrahim Sanni Ashade.
“Today, we remember them for their nobility and good leadership that brought development to Ogba Kingdom during their times.
“Most of us here are living witnesses to the succession battle that erupted following the passing away of the last Ologba, late Ibrahim Sanni Ashade.
“For about a decade, the stool was vacant on account of the battle royal over who should wear the crown, and succeed late Oba Sanni,” he said.
He described the occasion as historic and advised Oba Egbeyemi to see his enthronement as a favour from God.
“In that light, eschew vendetta and please don’t reopen old wounds. Let peace and love of your subjects be your guide,” the council chairman said.
Oba Egbeyemi thanked the state government, community leaders and residents at large.
“It’s only Almighty God that crowns a king and in this case, I have been the chosen one for the throne.
“I, thereby, humbly seek your understanding and support to move the community forward.
“I appeal to you that we should avoid going back to the past years and that we need to forget about the past and forge ahead for community development.
“Also, I need to say at this juncture that the custodian of Ogba culture and traditions and the entire Ogba people have spoken, I am soliciting support and assuring you that better life is ahead of us through our collectiveness,” the traditional leader said.
NAN
