Residents of Ijoko-Otta in Ogun State have stressed the need to re-organise the town. They also pledged loyalty to the Onijoko of Ijoko Otta Awori land, Oba Abdul Fatai Alani Matanmi (Otutu bi Osu 1).
Alhaji Isiaka Adekunle spoke on behalf of stakeholders after a meeting at their traditional ruler’s palace of Onijoko.
Representatives of all club, societies, artisans and professionals in Ijoko-Otta attended the meeting.
Adekunle explained that Oba Matanmi has sacrificed a lot for Ijoko-Otta freedom.
“He was on exile for ten years, from 2006 to 2016, but now that he is back, peace, love, unity and development has returned to the land,” he said.
He called on all the stakeholders to see the gathering tagged ‘Peace, Security and Development’ as a means of enlightening the populace about the town.
”We need to re-organise and re-structure Ijoko-Otta. The two palaces which were burnt have to be rebuilt. Some of the chiefs who died will be replaced to have new cabinet,” Adekunle said.
Oba Matanmi said: “Ijoko-Otta was founded by my late grandfather in 1850. I have got the Supreme Court judgment to be the authentic Oniijoko of Ijoko-Otta and it was confirmed by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his hilltop residence.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Wasiu Ademola representing the Area Commander of Otta zone and the representative of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Adegboyega Tajudeen, praised Oba Matanmi for the meeting.
Dignitaries at the occasion include Alhaji Bajela Mikail, Council of Chiefs of Onijoko, 27 CDA, 11 clubs and various associations.