Governor, State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, as a pillar of support of his administration.
Oyetola, noted that the monarch and his subjects have been very supportive in making government’s efforts to transform the capital city achievable in the last 10 years.
The governor made this known on Saturday, at the 10th Coronation anniversary of the Ataoja of Osogbo and formal launch of Ataoja palace project, held at the Osogbo city stadium.
Oyetola, who was represented by his Deputy, Benedict Alabi, said the tenure of the traditional ruler has been peaceful, which, according to him responsible for social stability across the state.
He stated further that the tenure of the monarch has brought tremendous development to the state capital, as it manifests in good road network, and other infrastructural development, as well as improvement in ease of doing business.
Oyetola, who conceptualised royalty as vital to life, culture, and development of the people, commended Oba Olanipekun for distinguishing himself as a worthy royal father and leader of men since ascending the throne in the last decade.
In his words: “Kabiyesi Ataoja is a lover and a promoter of culture. He is always willing to support the resolve of our administration to promote culture and tourism, as a foreign exchange earner.
“Under our Royal Father, Osogbo continues to blossom into international reckoning as the Home of Osun Osogbo Festival, and the most active UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Centre in Nigeria.
“Ataoja’s peaceful leadership contributed significantly to the ranking of the State of Osun as the most peaceful State in Nigeria and the peace Osogbo is enjoying. He is also a team player and a bridge builder, among his fellow traditional rulers”.
Oyetola, however sought for the continued cooperation and support of the revered monach, his subjects and the entire people of the state, to make his dream of building a more peaceful and prosperous Osun a reality.
“Our administration will continue to improve on the delivery of infrastructure and overall development of Osogbo and Osun in general.
” We shall continue to reach out to critical stakeholders, including corporate organizations, our brothers and sisters in the diaspora to build the state and call world attention to our tourism potential for optimal benefits”, Oyetola added.