Dr. Obafemi Hamzat urges traditional rulers to invest in developmental projects

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Gov. of Lagos State, has urged traditional leaders to support the state government by investing more in development projects in their various communities.

Hamzat gave the advice at the grand finale celebration of the First Coronation Anniversary of Oba Sulaiman Raji, the Oniba-Ekun of the Iba Kingdom, held at Iba, Lagos.

Oba Raji succeeded the late Oba Yushau Oseni, former Oniba of Iba Land, and a first-class traditional ruler who passed away on May 23, 2020, at 77 years old.

The Deputy Governor commended Oniba, who is the Chairman of tricycle/Okada operators under RTEAN, for all the development projects since his ascent to the throne, adding that meaningful projects could only be achieved in a peaceful environment.

“The role of traditional leaders in furthering peace and unity in the community, therefore, calls on the people of Iba to join hands with their leaders to make things work for their betterment,” he said.

In his address, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, commended the giant strides of Oba Raji since his assumption of the throne of his forefathers a year ago.

“You have been working, you need to do more for the people and the state,” he said.

Shotobi also commended the State Government for giving attention and respect to the traditional institution.

Speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, the National President of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), commended Oba Raji for his contributions to the transport union and traditional institutions.

“Within a year, we have seen what the Oniba has done for his people. He has done well in one year. He is one of us in RTEAN and we respect him a lot also in the union,” Musa said.

Musa, who applauded the Lagos State Government for road infrastructure in the Iba area, said that the area needed more road infrastructure in the area.

Speaking, the celebrant, the Oniba of Iba Kingdom, Oba Sulaiman Raji, commended the people of Iba Kingdom, traditional institutions, and the Lagos State Government for their support in the first year on the throne.

Raji, who urged the youth to embrace education and be peaceful, said that he would stop at nothing to better the lives of his people and bring more development to the kingdom.

NAN reports that several traditional leaders in the state, especially from the Badagry Division of Lagos, and politicians, among others, were in attendance.

(NAN)