By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Ogun state government has once again called on the traditional rulers in the state to join the anti-land grabbing campaign to ensure success of measures put in place to curb land grabbing and other related criminalities in their various domains.
Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made the call during the official installation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as Onilisa of Lisa kingdom held in Lisa town in Ifo local government area of the state. 
The governor who was represented by the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon Ganiyu Hazmat stressed that the state government not only frown at land grabbing activities but detests involvement of any traditional rulers in such dastard acts.
He said that the land grabbing prohibition law in the state is still in force which amongst others prohibits land grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the state for personal gains without recourse to the appropriate authority.
Hazmat while congratulating the people of Lisa community for their patience and resilience throughout the period the stool of Onilisa of Lisa was a Baaleship stool, urged them to continue to put collective interest towards the development of the traditional institution and their community now that the stool has been upgraded to Obaship status.
He said, “As an administration, we consider today’s ceremony as another positive result in our determination and commitment towards ensuring that Ogun State takes its rightful position in the comity of States. We realize the fact that traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as a bridge between the people at the grassroots and the Government.
“This is the reason why we have made it a matter of policy to reposition our traditional institutions by upgrading the deserving chieftaincy stools in Ogun State. Therefore, the official installation of Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as Onilisa of Lisa, today, marks another symbolic step in the right direction.” the commissioner said.
” Let me use this opportunity to charge our new Kabiyesi that, by your appointment as the Onilisa of Lisa, you have become the royal custodian of the culture and tradition of Lisa Community. As a Part Ill Oba, your loyalty to your ancestral home, under the able leadership of Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland should remain unflinching.”
He noted that more than ever before, Oba Odugbemi should continue to champion all efforts that can enhance peaceful co-existence with other royal fathers in Egbaland, in order to justify the mandate and trust reposed in him by the Ogun state government and the people of Lisa community, enjoining the people of Lisa to give the new monarch all necessary support and cooperation required to move Lisa Community forward.
The state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs said that this became imperative because as a developing community, all hands must be on deck to pave way for speedy and sustainable development of Lisa and its environs.
While commending the role played by Alake of Egbaland , Oba Adedotun Gbadebo towards the appointment of Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as Onilisa of Lisa, Hon Hazmat pointed out that Egbaland had been transformed and given a new lease of status praying that the continue reign of Oba Adedotun Gbadebo will continue to usher in good tidings for Egbaland in particular and Ogun State in general.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi commended the state government for the recognition given to Lisa community and the efforts played so far by the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs under the leadership of the state commissioner, Hon Ganiyu Hazmat for making the installation and presentation of staff of office a reality.
Oba Odugbemi appreciated the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo for recommending him to the state government for the stool of Onilisa of Lisa.
The monarch assured the state government that he will continue to compliment its efforts towards the development of Lisa in particular and the state in general and as well protect and preserve the traditional institution in the state.
He called on the people of Lisa community for their unwavering support for the peaceful co- existence in the community.
He promised to continue to do his best in uplifting the people of the community and championing the course of development and progress through developmental projects in Lisa.
