More traditional rulers have been installed by the Seyi Makinde administration than by any other, in both the old and new Oyo State.
At the third Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, which was held today at the Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Commissioner for Information and Orientation Prince Dotun Oyelade made this statement.
According to Prince Oyelade, “since 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales and so has the bragging and tangible rights to cognate experience in Chieftancy matters than any other administration in modern times.”
The Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumọgẹgẹ III, Prince Oyelade, and others attended the event. Prince Oyelade stated that “the relationship between Government and traditional institutions must of necessity be cordial and the onus of such relationship rests more on the traditional institutions.
He said, “while the Government needs the traditional rulers to assist in consolidating its policies and activities at the grassroots, the State law that governs the existence and emergence of the traditional ruler is tilted in favour of the State government, thus, traditional rulers who want to accelerate development in their communities must find a synergy.
In order to achieve sustained development of Ogbomoso land, Prince Oyelade, who recognised the symbiotic relationship between the government and traditional institutions, asked the Soun of Ogbomoso land to further prioritise a functioning partnership with the government.
“It is therefore incumbent on us to realise that to achieve this objective, there has to be a paradigm shift in our quest for the bigger picture.” He said.
“Our relationship with the State Government must have to undergo surgical appraisal.
“And I say this, not for the sake of Kabiyesi himself or the stool he occupies, but because of us, his sons and daughters.
“He must as a necessity be our mouth and our eyes, he must be the intermediary between us, his citizens and the outside world, particularly the State Government.
“Kabiyesi has proven to the world that he is a goal-getter and a farsighted leader.
“Now, he must prove that he is also a pragmatic ruler for the sake of the rest of us.”
Oba Ghandi was praised by the Commissioner for his resolve to pursue ambitious and well-informed development projects for Ogbomoso that are outlined within a 25-year timeframe.
Oyelade commended the King for rekindling Ogbomoso inhabitants’ patriotic fervour and encouraging them to participate in the historic transformation of Ogbomoso territory.
“Kabiyesi is determined to explore and exploit his personal experiences both as a successful businessman and his sojourn in the vineyard of the Lord for over 30 years and bring these to bear on the development of his fatherland.
“Everyone knows that if Oba Afolabi Ghandi is able to unleash his experience and determination, Ogbomoso will radically change within the first ten years of his reign.” Oyelade continued.
In his speech, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, acknowledged the possible effects the summit might have on Ogbomoso land.
He emphasised the necessity of realigning Ogbomoso land in order to unleash the potential of the populace and turn it into a centre of excellence in the fields of agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism, and business.
He underlined his determination to turn Ogbomoso into Africa’s Silicon Valley.
Oba Ghandi revealed that his 25-year Ogbomoso development project will boost local industries, create jobs, and enhance the standard of living for Ogbomoso citizens.
He declared that in order to make Ogbomoso a source of pride for the entire globe, the upcoming Ogbomoso International Economy Summit, which is set for April 2025, will highlight the land’s tenacity and inventiveness and collaborate with pertinent investors.
At the Maiden Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival in December 2024, The Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumọgẹgẹ III referred to his 25-year Ogbomoso development plan as a divine mandate to turn the city into a center of cultural and economic success. The monarch reaffirmed his dedication to the development of the area. He said, “This 25-year development agenda is a vision from God. It is not my personal agenda but what God wants to accomplish through us in Ogbomoso. Ignore any distractions; my focus remains solely on achieving this vision for development.”
Among other dignitaries, the Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. ROM Kalilu, High Chiefs of Ogbomoso land, prominent traditional rulers in Ogbomoso Zone, and digital economy enthusiasts attended the third edition of the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, which had as its theme “Financing and deploying resources for digital transformation.”
E-signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, January 29, 2025.
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