Abiodun Rolls Out 40 SUVs for Ogun Monarchs, Urges Support for Investors

By Brown Chimezie,

In a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and deepening grassroots governance, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday distributed 40 brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state.
Governor Abiodun said the gesture was in appreciation of the support the monarchs have consistently extended to his administration, describing them as custodians of culture and tradition and a crucial bridge between government and the people.
He noted that the vehicles would not only improve the comfort of the royal fathers but also enhance their mobility in overseeing their domains and promoting peace, stability, and development.
The governor, who spoke during the statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, commended the monarchs for sustaining the peaceful atmosphere that has enabled his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda to thrive.

He assured them of continued inclusion in governance and called on traditional rulers to help create an investor-friendly environment in their communities.
Abiodun, however, expressed concern over what he described as uncooperative and hostile attitudes by some communities toward investors, particularly in Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ijebu North.
According to him, such conduct poses a threat to the state’s economic growth and development, especially at a time when investors are willing to commit billions of dollars to Ogun State.
“We have received disturbing reports about the conduct of some communities during recent investor engagements. This is unacceptable,” the governor said.

“These investors are bringing in significant capital that will transform our economy, create jobs for our people, and improve livelihoods. They must be welcomed and supported.”
He stressed that investments remain critical to job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic advancement, adding that communities must see development initiatives as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Abiodun therefore charged the traditional rulers to take responsibility for maintaining peace and fostering cooperation within their domains.
“Kabiyesis, I urge you to work closely with your people to create an enabling environment for investors. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of hostility and distrust. We must position Ogun State as a preferred investment destination,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting investments and warned that any action capable of discouraging investors would not be tolerated.
Security, Land Matters
Beyond economic concerns, Abiodun called for heightened vigilance among residents and traditional institutions in view of growing insecurity in parts of the country.
He urged prompt reporting of suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that while the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making efforts to tackle insecurity, local vigilance remains vital to preserving Ogun State’s relative peace.

The governor also cautioned traditional rulers against indiscriminate land allocation and involvement in land-related disputes, describing land as a valuable economic asset that must be handled responsibly.
“Our land is our oil. It must not be allocated carelessly. We must ensure that land matters are handled transparently and responsibly to attract and retain genuine investors,” he added.
He further warned landlords against renting out properties to individuals involved in criminal activities, stating that any building found to be used for unlawful purposes would be demolished.

Monarchs Hail Governor
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat, said the meeting—its first in 2026—was convened to deliberate on critical issues bordering on security, development, and collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as his administration’s developmental strides across the state.
He reaffirmed the support of the traditional rulers for policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth, peace, and stability in Ogun State.
The highpoint of the meeting was the formal presentation of the 40 SUVs to the monarchs to strengthen their administrative and community engagement roles.