- Sanwo-Olu Pledges Improved Welfare, Stronger Role for Monarchs
- Urges traditional rulers to work closely with the government
- Ayangburen urged the federal government to upgrade the 37 LCDAs
Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing the role of traditional rulers in the governance and development of Lagos State, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day retreat for the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs on Friday, the governor represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat commended the monarchs for their key contributions to peace and unity across the state’s diverse communities.
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The retreat, titled “Strengthening Traditional Institutions through Collaboration for Growth and Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos State,” is designed to promote stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and the government.
“The Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs is a vital cornerstone in our collective pursuit of sustained growth, inclusive development, and harmony,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This retreat is living proof of our enduring partnership.”
He described traditional rulers as “a bridge between policy and people, between modern governance and ancestral wisdom,” acknowledging their influence in promoting social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, and maintaining law and order at the grassroots.
Sanwo Olu also assured the monarchs of better welfare support, emphasizing that his administration deeply appreciates their sacrifices and contributions to the state’s progress.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the governor while speaking on current challenges, urged the traditional rulers to work closely with the government in resolving boundary disputes, particularly the long-standing issue in Isheri Olofin involving Ogun State and in addressing environmental problems such as flooding.
“Your role in protecting land from encroachment and resolving internal land disputes cannot be overstated. We need your continued support,” he added.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Kayode Roberts, described traditional rulers as “essential partners in governance” and the closest link between the government and the people.
The Vice Chairman of the Council and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, proposed holding quarterly meetings between the traditional council and the state government to improve policy coordination and communication.
He also urged the federal government to upgrade the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos to full local government status.
Additionally, he appealed to the Lagos State Government to allocate five percent of local government funds to traditional rulers and called for a more prominent advisory role for them in state governance.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and elected officials.
“The House is yours because you elected us as your representatives. We don’t joke with any issue that concerns traditional institutions,” Ogundipe said.
He encouraged the royal fathers to stay united in their support for effective governance and to play an active role in resolving conflicts, especially those related to land disputes.
“What we are doing here today is very crucial, especially as regards land issues,” he added. “Many of these issues are best handled at the palace level, yet they still find their way to the Assembly.”
