Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on traditional leaders in Oke-Ogun to collaborate with the government in safeguarding mining communities.
This appeal was made during the coronation of the 30th Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, where Governor Makinde emphasized the necessity to change the current mining regime to benefit host communities.
He highlighted the recently signed Executive Order No 1 of 2023, aiming to protect mining communities and ensure fair distribution of resources.
The governor expressed gratitude to Iseyin residents for their support during the March 18, 2023, elections and acknowledged their role in establishing the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources.
Governor Makinde also commended the people of Iseyin for their support in making the College a reality and named the entrance road into the campus “Aseyin Road.”
He addressed the economic focus around Iseyin, including the Ikere Gorge Dam, where the state government plans to construct an access road to facilitate investors’ interest in power generation.
During the coronation ceremony, the newly crowned Aseyin, Oba Oyebola, made his first official speech after receiving the staff and instrument of office.
He thanked the governor, declaring that it marked a new dawn in Iseyin. Oba Oyebola outlined his rulership, emphasizing three cardinal points of peace, unity, and prosperity, expressing readiness to serve not only his subjects but the generality of people in Oke-Ogun.
Earlier in the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, charged the new Aseyin of Iseyin to be alive to his traditional responsibilities.
He also urged the people of Iseyin to support and cooperate with the Oyo State Government to deliver on its Roadmap for Sustainable Development.
Dignitaries present at the coronation included former deputy governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, and Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, as well as Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Traditional rulers from within and outside the state, such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, were also in attendance.