Soun, Commissioner Mull Ogbomoso Progress

The Seyi Makinde administration has installed more Traditional Rulers than any other Administration either in the old or new Oyo State.

This was stated by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, at the third edition of the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit held at the Great Hall, Ladoke Akintola University, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso today.

Prince Oyelade said that since 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales and so has the bragging and tangible rights to cognate experience in Chieftancy matters than any other administration in modern times.

At the event which was attended by the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumọgẹgẹ III, Prince Oyelade said the relationship between Government and traditional institutions must of necessity be cordial and the onus of such relationship rests more on the traditional institutions.

The Commissioner said while the Government needs the traditional rulers to assist in consolidating its policies and activities at the grassroots, the State law that governs the existence and emergence of the traditional ruler is tilted in favour of the State government, thus, traditional rulers who want to accelerate development in their communities must find a synergy.

Identifying the symbiotic relationship between Government and traditional institutions, Prince Oyelade, urged the Soun of Ogbomoso land, to further prioritise a functional relationship with the government to actualize a sustainable development of Ogbomoso land.

“It is therefore incumbent on us to realise that to achieve this objective, there has to be a *paradigm shift* in our quest for the bigger picture.” He said.

“Our relationship with the State Government must have to undergo surgical appraisal.

“And I say this, not for the sake of Kabiyesi himself or the stool he occupies, but because of us, his sons and daughters.

“He must as a necessity be our mouth and our eyes, he must be the intermediary between us, his citizens and the outside world, particularly the State Government.

“Kabiyesi has proven to the world that he is a goal getter and a farsighted leader.

“Now, he must prove that he is also a pragmatic ruler for the sake of the rest of us.”

The Commissioner lauded Oba Ghandi for his determination to pursue an informed and aggressive developmental projects that is defined within a 25-year period for Ogbomoso

He praised the King for reigniting the patriotic zeal of Ogbomoso citizens to take part in the revolutionary development of Ogbomoso land.

“Kabiyesi is determined to explore and exploit his personal experiences both as a successful businessman and his sojourn in the vineyard of the Lord for over 30 years and bring these to bear on the development of his fatherland.

“Everyone knows that if Oba Afolabi Ghandi is able to unleash his experience and determination, Ogbomoso will radically change within the first ten years of his reign.” Oyelade added.

Acknowledging the potential impact that the summit will have on Ogbomoso land in his address, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, reiterated the need to reposition Ogbomoso land to unlock the potential of the people and transform the land to a hub of excellence in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism and commerce.

He emphasized his resolve to make Ogbomoso the Silicon valley of Africa.

Oba Ghandi disclosed that his 25 year developmental project for Ogbomoso will empower industries, generate employment and improve the quality of life for residents of Ogbomoso

He announced that the oncoming Ogbomoso International Economy Summit scheduled for April 2025 will showcase the resilience and ingenuity of Ogbomoso land and partner with relevant investors to make Ogbomoso a source of pride to the whole world.

The third edition of the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit with the theme “Financing and deploying resources for digital transformation” was attended by the Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. ROM Kalilu, prominent traditional rulers in Ogbomoso Zone, High Chiefs of Ogbomoso land, digital economy enthusiast among other dignitaries.

*E-signed:*

*Prince Dotun Oyelade*

*Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation*

*Oyo State*

*29th January, 2025.*