The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged citizens not to lose sight of the unifying element of the Ojude Oba celebration in Ogun State which brought together people of all faiths, tribes, and languages.
The governor made this call on Monday, during his address at the grand finale of the 2022 edition of the annual Ojude Oba festival held at Oba Sikiru Adetona’s golden jubilee centre, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the people of Lagos and Ogun States share a long historical and cultural bond which led him to establish the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission with Governor Dapo Abiodun, to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefit and development, and accelerate socio-economic growth for their communities.
He said, “It is noteworthy that the Ojude Oba Festival has while staying true to its Islamic roots, also expanded to become a unifying symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.
“We must never lose sight of this unifying element, at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people. Celebrations like Ojude Oba remind us that evil will never triumph over good. As a proud son of Lagos, it is personally very pleasing to be in this colourful ceremony among my Ijebu brothers and sisters.
“We the peoples of Lagos and Ogun share a long historical and cultural bond, shaped by the same forces and experiences, nourished by the same waterways, and living up to the same Omoluabi standards and ideals.
“This was what spurred my brother Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun and I to, in 2021, establish the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission, to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefit and development, and accelerate socio-economic growth for all our communities and our people.
“The road network linking Ijebu-Ode, Epe and Lekki is yet another concrete manifestation of our collaboration – Ogun State has completed their own stretch, while we will complete our own end this year, opening up new commercial and logistics opportunities in that axis, and positively impacting the lives of our people, many of whose daily lives cross our joint borders.”
