In a significant move to foster collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Otunba Klass Ademola Balogun, paid an official visit to the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, at the historic Ake Palace in Abeokuta on Thursday, 30th January 2025.
The visit underscored the importance of traditional rulers in driving community development and enhancing cooperative efforts across the state. During the meeting, Otunba Balogun and the revered monarch engaged in extensive discussions on the pivotal role of traditional institutions in shaping and advancing community welfare. Both leaders explored strategies to further strengthen the partnership between the government and traditional authorities to accelerate development initiatives in Egbaland and beyond.
Otunba Balogun expressed his gratitude to His Royal Majesty for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss critical issues affecting the community. He emphasized the need for continuous collaboration, stating, “Traditional institutions remain the bedrock of our society, and their involvement is crucial in achieving sustainable development. This meeting has reinforced our commitment to working hand-in-hand with our royal fathers to uplift our communities.”
In his response, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo commended the Commissioner for his dedication to community development and assured him of the unwavering support of the Egba traditional council. He highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern development strategies to ensure progress and unity.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering a stronger partnership for the benefit of the people. This engagement marks a significant step towards harnessing the collective efforts of government and traditional institutions to drive impactful community development initiatives in Ogun State.