Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to the people of Ijebuland to remain calm as efforts continue to select a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he said his administration was committed to ensuring a peaceful and widely accepted succession process.
Abiodun’s Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Adetona at the age of 91. The late monarch reigned for 65 years.
Addressing concerns surrounding the succession, Abiodun acknowledged the traditional institution’s significance to the cultural identity and unity of Ijebuland, urging residents to exercise patience while the necessary procedures were completed.
He said, “Our people should remain calm and patient as the necessary processes are being concluded.
“Our administration is giving the matter the attention it deserves, with a view to ensuring that the process is concluded peacefully and the emergence of a new Awujale enjoys the acceptance and support of the people.”
Beyond the succession issue, the governor highlighted the economic prospects of Ogun East, citing ongoing oil exploration around Eba Island and plans for the Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
He explained that the projects, alongside the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, were expected to attract investments, expand commercial activities and create employment opportunities.
According to him, the deep-sea port could stimulate growth in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and other related industries.
Abiodun said the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to improve communication between the government and residents, address community concerns and present his administration’s achievements over the past seven years.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure development and policies aimed at attracting investors and improving residents’ welfare.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting development projects in the state, calling for sustained cooperation between the federal and state governments to maximise Ogun’s economic potential.
Participants at the meeting included representatives of market men and women, hunters, members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, among other community stakeholders.
The representatives commended the governor for providing a platform for direct engagement with the grassroots and pledged to support the administration’s development agenda.
They also expressed support for the All Progressives Congress and its candidates ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
