My Administration Will Respect Traditional Institution, Reinstate Demoted Coronet Oba — Otegbeye

THE governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, has stated that an ADC administration under his watch will respect the state’s traditional institution and restore its dignity, which has been eroded by the current administration.

Otegbeye also condemned Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently disregarding the spirits and letters of chieftaincy laws of Ogun State.

In a press release signed by Raheem Ajayi, Media Director of the Otegbeye Campaign Council, the ADC flag-bearer berated Abiodun for his refusal to reinstate 75 Coronet Obas despite an order from a competent court asking him to do so.

Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of Magboro town, HRH Modiu Ademuyiwa, during his campaign tour of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area on Tuesday, Otegbeye said if elected governor of Ogun State on 11th March, his administration will obey the rule of law at all times.

It will be recalled that 75 Obas were installed during the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun but were sacked by Dapo Abiodun when he assumed office in 2019. The traditional rulers, not satisfied with that action, went to court to challenge the decision. They got a favourable judgment when the court ordered their reinstatement. The government appealed the judgment, but the Appellate Court ruled against the government. The government has refused to obey the ruling to date.

Reacting to Abiodun’s refusal to reinstate the demoted Coronet Obas, Otegbeye said, “We have never had any administration as draconian as this, with total disrespect and disregard for the rule of law. Governor Dapo Abiodun has no regard for the traditional institution, and there are many instances to validate this. Why would Obas, who were legally installed by the previous administration be unilaterally removed without recourse to due process?

“Even when they got judgments on two occasions for them to be reinstated, he refused to obey the sacred orders of the courts as if we were in a banana republic. Instead of doing the right thing, he decided to break the ranks of the kings by selectively reinstating a few of them who would do his bidding among the monarchs”.

Otegbeye stated further that the action by Governor Abiodun is despotic and degrading of the high moral standards set by previous leaders that came before him. “We have standards in Ogun State because past governors have elevated the level of governance along the fine paths of strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for institutions; among others. These lofty standards have been lowered by Prince Dapo Abiodun.

“I want to assure the good people of the Gateway State and especially our Royal Fathers, that the incoming ADC administration under my watch will obey the rule of law and immediately reinstate all the Obas affected by the judgment. We will accord maximum respect to the traditional institutions because you are the custodians of our culture and traditional values. Please, be assured that we will always consult you and make you part of our governance process”.

The Olu of Magboro thanked Otegbeye for stopping by his palace, and while praying for him, the Kabiyesi promised to give support for the success of Otegbeye’s governorship project.