Governor Dapo Abiodun has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers in Ogun State, urging them to foster investor-friendly environments or risk undermining the state’s economic growth trajectory.
Speaking at the Statutory Meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas in Abeokuta, the governor raised concerns over reports of hostility toward investors in parts of Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ijebu North, describing such attitudes as counterproductive to development efforts.
Abiodun emphasized that attracting and retaining investment remains central to the state’s economic strategy, noting that investors are prepared to commit significant capital capable of driving job creation, infrastructure expansion, and broader socio-economic development.
He positioned traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in this equation, stressing their influence in maintaining peace, facilitating cooperation, and ensuring that communities align with development objectives.
According to the governor, local resistance and uncooperative behavior not only delay projects but also send negative signals to potential investors, potentially diverting opportunities to more receptive environments.
Beyond investment concerns, Abiodun also addressed issues of land administration and security, cautioning traditional rulers against indiscriminate land allocations and involvement in disputes that could complicate development processes.
He described land as a strategic economic asset that must be managed responsibly, warning that misuse or lack of transparency could hinder growth and create avoidable conflicts.
On security, the governor called for stronger vigilance at the community level, urging traditional institutions to work closely with authorities to address emerging threats. He also issued a directive to property owners, warning against renting premises for criminal activities, with the threat of demolition for buildings found to be used unlawfully.
The meeting, according to Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hazmat, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between government and traditional institutions while addressing key challenges affecting development and security.
In response, Kehinde Olugbenle, Chairman of the Council of Obas, reaffirmed the support of traditional rulers for the administration’s development agenda, signaling alignment between the state government and traditional leadership structures.
Analysts view the governor’s remarks as a strategic push to de-risk the investment climate in Ogun State, particularly at a time when subnational governments are competing aggressively to attract capital.
The message is direct: economic growth is a shared responsibility—and without local cooperation, even the most ambitious investment plans can stall.