Press Releases

Fashola Presents Staff Of Office To New Oba Of Ijora
…Urges family to exercise rights over land in accordance with the law

Mar 13, 2010 - At a well attended and colourful ceremony, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) supported by his immediate past predecessor in office, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu on Saturday presented the Staff of office to the newly appointed Oba of Ijoraland, Oba Fatai Oyeyinka Aromire, Oyegbemi II.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the Ijora Oloye venue of the installation congratulated the new Oba for ascending the throne of his forefathers, adding that the elevation of Oba Oyeyinka from a white cap chief of Lagos is coming at a time of momentous change and evolution in Lagos State.

He reiterated that traditional rulers would continue to play very important roles in the governance of the State and in the development of the country.

Said he: “We will need you from time to time as you have done to help continue to enlighten our people about the policies and programmes of the government and to help to keep the vigilance and security in your respective domains”.

“As I have said before, the revival of Lagos has just started. The Lagos of our dreams is within sight and as long as we have security, a peaceful atmosphere, as long as we are our brothers’ keeper, that dream is achievable”, he added.

Governor Fashola assured the Oba that as the custodian of the traditions of the people, he would remain a vocal channel of communication and feedback between the government and the people.

He congratulated the Oba and the people of Ijora as well as the Apapa Local Government and the brother and sister Local Governments that have evolved from what used to be Apapa into the many LGs and LCDAs created with the foresight of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor.

Governor Fashola who also used the occasion to comment on the issue of a judgement of the Supreme Court obtained by the Ojora family as it relates to its family land, urged the Ojora family to approach the exercise of its rights over the recent judgement in its favour in accordance with the law.

Governor Fashola added that if the Ojora family works with Lawyers and accountants, there would be a proper method for determining a fair value and a humane compensation for the land in question.

He added: “I belief those who are tenants on your land would respect the judgment and give you your rights. I urge you and members of your family to be gracious in victory, to be magnanimous in victory and to recognize your roles as custodians and leaders of the community”.

He said the Government is not unmindful of the need for a redevelopment of the road under the Ijora Causeway, informing that work is at an advanced stage to enable the state Government come and give relief on the road.

Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matters, Prince Rotimi Agunsoye who described the occasion as very historic congratulated Oba Aromire for his endurance and patience during the struggle for the restoration of the Obaship status for the Ojora stool.

He added that with the support of the people of Ijoraland, kingmakers and leaders, the reign of Oba Aromire will not only be peaceful but successful.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Mr Ayodeji Joseph expressed the appreciation of the people of Apapa to the State Government for the honour done to them and the various developmental projects in the area. He appealed for the support of the State Governor to develop the palace of the Ojora to make it befitting.

While responding, the new Oba expressed his deep appreciation and that of the people of Ijora to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support in making the day a reality.

The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, some Chairmen of Local Government Councils and Council Development Areas, traditional rulers from all parts of the State, many other dignitaries and members of the Ijora Community in their numbers.