AVOSEH, OGUN GOVT CHARGE NEW AKOKO OF TONGEJI ISLAND ON PEACE , UNITY , DEVELOPMENT

 By Olumide Esther O 

The Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, has congratulated the newly installed Akoko of Tongeji Island, His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Ireti Oku, Atenigbola I, urging him to use his reign to promote peace, unity, cultural preservation and sustainable development in the community.

Hon. Avoseh stated this during the official installation and presentation of the Instrument of Appointment to the new monarch at Tongeji Island, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in the history of the community. He commended the people of Tongeji Island for their peaceful conduct, endurance and perseverance throughout the selection process, while also appreciating the kingmakers for ensuring a peaceful and successful conclusion to the process.

The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for approving the appointment of Oba Ireti Oku, as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the State Executive Council for their contributions to the successful emergence of the new monarch.

According to Avoseh, the peaceful selection of the new Akoko demonstrates the commitment of the people of Tongeji Island to preserving their culture, traditions and communal values. 

He urged the people to rally around the new monarch with unwavering support and cooperation, expressing confidence that his reign would usher in greater peace, unity and development.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Hamzat Oladunjoye Ganiyu, charged Oba Emmanuel Ireti Oku to regard his ascension to the throne as a call to greater service, selfless leadership and commitment to the socio-economic development of his people.

Governor Abiodun urged the monarch to promote peace, unity and sustainable development while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tongeji Island. He also charged him to facilitate reconciliation with other contenders to the throne, stressing that unity and mutual understanding were essential for the progress of the community.

The Governor further urged the new monarch to key into the ISEYA agenda of his administration by mobilising his subjects to remain law-abiding and responsible citizens. 

He also called on the Kabiyesi to take decisive steps against land grabbing and indiscriminate land allocation in his domain, in line with the Ogun State Land Grabbing Prohibition Law.

While appealing to the sons, daughters and residents of Tongeji Island to give the new monarch maximum support and cooperation, Governor Abiodun urged all stakeholders to put aside rancour and bitterness and work collectively with the traditional institution and government towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous community.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Emmanuel Ireti Oku, Atenigbola I, expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government, Ipokia Local Government, traditional rulers, kingmakers, community leaders, elders and the people of Tongeji Island for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to lead with integrity, humility and dedication, uphold the traditions and cultural values of his people, and work with government and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and development.

The ceremony was witnessed by the state government delegation comprising the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, and Deputy Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Job Vincent Olugbenga. Royal fathers in attendance included Oba Moruf Awode, Ololo of Ijofin; Oba Abdulazeez Taiwo Adesola, Ajirobiadodo, Oja of Agosasa; Oba Sikiru Ishola Adegbola, Alaye of Oniro Agude Kingdom; and Oba James Ajani Ajibola Igbowu, Ategbosun I, Ipo of Idosemo. The Ipokia Local Government political and career team was led by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, who prayed for a long, peaceful and prosperous reign for the new monarch.