Makinde presents staff of office to new Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has presented the staff and instrument of office to the Asigangan of Igangan land, HRM. Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi Ariwoola.

He tasked the newly installed monarch with promoting the unification of Igangan land and exhibiting the wisdom and humility expected of a leader of his calibre.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, stated this on Monday at the event held at Federal Technical College, Igangan, which had in attendance members of Oyo Elders and Advisory Advisory Councils; Government functionaries; Royal fathers, among others.

The Governor said the new monarch has crossed three stages without any rancor, saying he was duly nominated by the ruling house, went through successful screening, and was also accepted by the government on recommendation.

Noting that anyone who want to become a royal father must be able to fulfill those stages as enshrined in the law of Oyo state, the Governor added that the event was in due process and it is heartening to witness such transparency and adherence to tradition in the selection of our leaders.

He stated that his administration will continue to see to the development of Ibarapa zone, adding that in Omitutun 1.0, Oke-ogun has been linked to Ogbomoso, Ibadan and also Ibarapa zone through Igana road.

The Governor said: “While I congratulate the people of Igangan land, I enjoin Oba Rafiu Ariwoola to work hand in hand with the government in tackling pressing issues such as illegal mining, land grabbing, and kidnapping that threaten the peace and progress of our entire local government.

“Collaboration and cooperation between the traditional institution and government authorities are paramount in addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of our people.

“On this note, in exercise of the power confered upon the Governor by sub-section(1) and(2) of section 20 of the chiefs. Law cap 28 vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria,2000. I present the instrument/Staff of office which is the symbol of Authority to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Olaniyin Adeniyin Ariwoola, the new Onigangan of Igaganland.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the commission for local government and Chieftaincy matters, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, admonished the Asigangan of Igangan to collaborate with the government of Oyo state on issue of insecurity particularly on land grabbing and illegal mining activities.

“When you see something, say something before it get out of hand. So, I wish the new monarch a successful reign as he embark on the stewardship,” he said.

The Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Ariwoola, who expressed gratitude to God and the Governor of Oyo state, thanked the people of Igan-gan land and the Oyiigun ruling House for selecting him as the new king after the demise of the immediate past King, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoye Aribiyan |.

He appealed to the Governor for a befitting palace and the rehabilitation of the community’s hospitals, reaffirming his readiness to guarantee a peaceful cohabitation and the safety of people and property.

Oba Ariwoola however conferred on Governor Makinde, a Chieftaincy title, Aare of Asoludero of Igangan land, in appreciation of his efforts towards the development of the town and Oyo state at large.

The event was attended by the Federal House of Reps Member, representing Ibarapa North and West, Dr. Adepoju Ibarapakan, as well as other distinguished sons and daughters of the town who expressed their gratitude to Governor Makinde for giving the new monarch the staff of office.