Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to the people of Ijebuland to exercise patience as the process of choosing a new Awujale continues.
The governor gave the assurance during a meeting with community leaders and other stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday, the state government is working towards ensuring that the succession process is peaceful and acceptable to the people.
The traditional stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at 91 after ruling Ijebuland for 65 years.
Abiodun acknowledged the significance of the Awujale institution to the people’s heritage and unity, urging residents not to allow concerns surrounding the succession to disrupt the peace of the community.
“I acknowledge the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland, 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,” he said.
Beyond the succession issue, the governor used the meeting to discuss economic prospects for Ogun East, particularly oil exploration around Eba Island and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
He said the engagement was also designed to strengthen relations between the government and residents, hear their concerns and provide updates on projects and achievements recorded by his administration in the past seven years.
Abiodun assured the people that his government would continue to address challenges affecting their communities while prioritising peace and development across the state.
He identified the proposed port, oil exploration activities and the planned Blue Marine Special Economic Zone as major investments that could transform economic activities in the area.
According to him, the projects could attract businesses, expand maritime trade and create employment opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and other sectors.
The governor expressed confidence that the initiatives would improve opportunities for young people, strengthen local enterprises and increase Ogun State’s contribution to the national economy.
He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and investor-friendly policies in driving development, calling for collaboration between public institutions, traditional rulers, residents and private-sector operators.
Abiodun praised President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support for development projects in Ogun State, urging both governments to maintain their cooperation to achieve more results.
Community representatives, including market men and women, hunters and members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, welcomed the meeting, saying it provided an opportunity to bring local