… As Hamzat says, Let’s come together to rebuild Nigeria, says***

A traditional ruler in Epe Division of Lagos State, Chief Ganiu Lanotu, says he has just completed a two-day traditional rituals for peace and progress of his community and the nation at large.

Lanotu, who is the Ogegbo of Ibonwon land, disclosed this while receiving some postgraduate research students of University of Ibadan (UI) at his Ibonwon palace, Eredo, Epe, on Tuesday.

“I will use the power in my tongue to pray for you students, the lecturers, indigenes present at the palace today and for Nigerians at large.

“That, henceforth, whatever you all lay your hands on shall prosper. Ibonwon community, Lagos State and Nigeria shall know peace.

“The nation will progress, so also Ibonwon community and its people shall advance in their daily endeavours.

“I pray by the power of “Eledumare”, Oduduwa, that the insecurity challenges in this country shall be put to rest, may God guide and guard our leaders right,” the traditional ruler prayed.

Also read: Traditional ruler says Nigeria will overcome its challenges

Lanotu said that the two days rituals became necessary at this critical time so that the country could know peace and citizens could sleep with their two eyes closed.

He told the visitors that he just ascended the throne of his forefathers as the traditional ruler (Ogegbo Ni Ibonwon) a week ago.

“But with this little time I have spent on the throne, the community has known my impact and they will continue to know my impact for good.

“During my reign, the indigenes shall progress in their businesses, places of work and in all good things they are doing,” he said.

Lanotu appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to upgrade his palace and title to that of a first class traditional ruler.

“In this town Ibonwon, we don’t have Oba, we refer to our Oba as Ogegbo; therefore, the Lagos State governor should recognise the title and upgrade it to Oba status.

“All rights accorded to traditional rulers in Lagos State should be extended to my palace as well.

“Ibonwon is the only Alegemo (Ogegbo) town in Lagos State, others are in Ogun state,” he said.

The traditional ruler expressed appreciation to the visiting students for recognizing his palace as a custodian of history, culture and traditions.

Earlier, Head of the delegation from Centre for Sustainable Development, UI, Dr Olawale Olayide, said that the Field Trip was undertaken to learn about the history and tradition of people of Epe Division.

In a related development,  Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has charged citizens to come together to rebuild the nation, noting that good governance at all levels is key to the nation’s democracy.

Hamzat made the remark at the 72nd anniversary lecture of Lagos Country Club at Ikeja on Tuesday.

The deputy governor, who spoke on “Imperatives of Good Governance and the Role of Non State Actors”, said that it behoves on all citizens to come together to develop the nation.

He identified the inability of state actors to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, poverty, corruption and insecurity as some of the challenges bedeviling the nation.

According to him, good governance at all levels is key to the democratic system of any nation and with Nigeria going through a mirage of challenges, the need to surmount those challenges is imminent.

He also noted that restructuring was not the only issue confronting the country.

“As a people, every Nigerian must come together to make the nation work.

“The various agitations in the country are due to the clash of interest festered by ethnicity and race which, if not properly managed, will lead to the break down of the nation.

“The questions that should be asked by citizens and leaders are; where are we as a nation?
“What are the desired destination? What roles must citizens play towards a desired destination?” he said.

The Lagos deputy governor, therefore, encouraged social clubs, religious leaders, organizations and other stakeholders to get involved in remoulding the country.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Funmi Bamkole, President, Lagos Country Club, implored the people to co-create good governance, noting that democracy, good governance and modernity cannot be imported or imposed from outside the country.

According to him, good governance is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, therefore, if Nigeria succeeds at democratic governance, it will be an anchor for all of West Africa and indeed the entire continent.

“Africa needs a strong Nigeria,” the club president said.

The newsmen report that the event was graced by a host of political stalwarts, lawmakers, captains of industry and other stakeholders.

Among the dignitaries included Muiz Banire (SAN), former Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress; Dr Wale Ahmed, Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs.

Others were Aare Kola Oyefeso, Chairman Board of Trustees of the club, Mr Alawiye King, Chairman, SUBEB, Mr Babatunde Ogala, former lawmaker, Lagos House of Assembly, amongst others.