Governor Dapo Abiodun has reassured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027.
He also projected a major economic transformation for the Ogun East Senatorial District through emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port.
The governor gave assurances on Tuesday at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he engaged representatives of various interest groups on traditional affairs, governance, and the district’s economic prospects.
On the succession process for the revered Awujale stool, Abiodun assured the people that his administration was committed to facilitating a smooth, peaceful, and widely acceptable process leading to the emergence of a new monarch.
He acknowledged the Awujale institution’s importance to Ijebuland’s cultural heritage, identity, and unity, and appealed to the people to remain calm and patient as the necessary processes concluded.
The governor said his administration was giving the matter the attention it deserved to ensure the process concluded peacefully and that any new Awujale enjoyed the people’s acceptance and support.
He thanked the people of Ijebuland for their continued support and cooperation with his administration, assuring them of his commitment to addressing issues of importance to the district and preserving peace and harmony across the state.
Abiodun explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to strengthen engagement between the government and the people, give various groups a platform to express their views, and showcase his administration’s achievements over the past seven years.
Turning to Ogun East’s economic prospects, the governor said the district is on the threshold of significant economic expansion, driven by emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
He identified the discovery of crude oil around Eba Island and the deep-sea port project as strategic developments that could transform the district’s economic landscape, attract new investment, and create jobs for residents.
The governor said the projects, along with the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, would strengthen Ogun State’s position as a major destination for industrial investment, international trade, and maritime business.
The Gateway Deep-Sea Port is expected to open new opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and related industries, while associated industrial development is projected to stimulate economic activity across Ogun East and other parts of the state.
Abiodun expressed optimism that emerging investments would enhance the district’s commercial importance, expand opportunities for local businesses and create jobs for young people, while strengthening Ogun State’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment promotion, and policies to improve residents’ living conditions, stressing the importance of cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities, and the private sector in realising the state’s development aspirations.
The governor also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for critical infrastructure and development initiatives in Ogun State, expressing appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cooperation with his administration.
He called for continued collaboration between the state and federal governments, noting that such partnerships are important for advancing major projects and unlocking Ogun State’s economic potential.
Representatives of various groups at the meeting, including market men and women, hunters, and members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, commended the governor for engaging grassroots stakeholders and providing a platform to discuss issues affecting their communities.
They described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen communication between the government and the people, noting that direct engagement is important for understanding local concerns and advancing grassroots development.
The representatives also expressed support for the administration’s development initiatives and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
The meeting provided a platform to discuss the Awujale succession process, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and the future of Ogun East, with the governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the district.