The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has presented the staff and instrument of office to the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi, Ariwoola Aako II.
The governor charged the traditional ruler with working with his administration to develop the Ibarapa zone and tackle pressing issues, including illegal mining and farmer-herder clashes.
The governor added that his administration would continue to see to the development of the Ibarapa zone, adding that under Omituntun 1.0, the government successfully linked Oke-Ogun to Ogbomoso, Ibadan, and also linked Oke-Ogun to the Ibarapa zone through the rehabilitation of the Iganna-Elekookan-Iganna road.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Bayo Lawal stated this on Monday at the Federal Technical College, Igangan event.
He urged Oba Adeniyi to unite Igangan by exhibiting the wisdom and humility expected of a leader.
At the event, which had some members of the Oyo State Elders Council and Oyo State Advisory Council, other government functionaries, and royal fathers in attendance, the governor said due process was observed in selecting the new Asigangan.
He noted that he was duly nominated by the ruling house, went through the successful screening, and was also accepted by the government on the recommendation.
Noting that anyone who would become a royal father must be able to fulfill those stages as enshrined in the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Makinde added that it was encouraging to see that the new Asigangan’s emergence was in adherence to tradition and the law.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, admonished the Asigangan of Igangan to collaborate with the government of Oyo State on the issue of insecurity, particularly land grabbing and illegal mining activities.
He reiterated Governor Makinde’s popular charge that state residents must always say something when they see something and that the government would take necessary actions before things get out of hand.
In his response, the Asigangan of Igangan expressed gratitude to God and the governor. At the same time, he also thanked the people of Igangan and the Oyiigun Ruling House for selecting him as the new king after the demise of the immediate past king, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoye Aribiyan I.
He appealed to Governor Makinde for a befitting palace and the rehabilitation of the community’s hospitals, affirming his readiness to guarantee peaceful cohabitation and the safety of people and property in the community.
Oba Adeniyi equally conferred on Governor Makinde the chieftaincy title of pop Aare Asoludero of Iganganland, saying it was in appreciation of his efforts towards developing the town and Oyo State at large.
