Abiodun Promises New Awujale Before May 29, 2027, Projects Oil, Deep-Sea Port Boom for Ogun East

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027, while projecting oil exploration and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port as major drivers of economic transformation in Ogun East Senatorial District.

Abiodun gave the assurances on Tuesday at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he addressed traditional affairs, infrastructure development, investment opportunities and the future of the district.

On the prolonged succession process for the revered Awujale stool, the governor said his administration was committed to ensuring that a new monarch emerged through a peaceful, orderly and widely accepted process before the end of his tenure on May 29, 2027.

He acknowledged the cultural, historical and unifying significance of the Awujale institution to Ijebuland, urging residents to remain calm and patient while the necessary processes were being concluded.

According to him, his administration is giving the matter the attention it deserves to ensure that the eventual emergence of a new Awujale enjoys the acceptance and support of the people.

The assurance comes amid sustained public interest in the succession to the highly revered traditional institution, which occupies a central position in the cultural identity of Ijebuland.

Beyond the traditional institution, Abiodun said Ogun East was approaching a period of significant economic expansion, driven by emerging oil exploration activities around Eba Island and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

He described the developments as strategic opportunities capable of attracting investments, generating employment and expanding commercial activities across the district.

The governor also identified the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone as part of the broader development agenda intended to position Ogun State as a major destination for industrial investment, maritime commerce and international trade.

The Gateway Deep-Sea Port, when developed, is expected to create opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and other port-related businesses. The accompanying industrial development is also projected to stimulate economic activities in Ogun East and other parts of the state.

Abiodun expressed optimism that the projects would strengthen the district’s commercial importance, provide new opportunities for local businesses and create jobs, particularly for young people.

However, the scale of the anticipated benefits will depend on the actual progress of the projects, the delivery of supporting infrastructure and the extent to which local communities and businesses benefit from the resulting investments.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment promotion and policies aimed at improving residents’ living conditions. He stressed that collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, host communities and private investors would be essential to achieving the state’s development objectives.

He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for infrastructure and other development initiatives in Ogun State, expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his cooperation with the state government.

Abiodun called for continued collaboration between the two levels of government, noting that partnerships were necessary to advance major projects and unlock the state’s economic potential.

The stakeholders’ meeting also provided an opportunity for grassroots representatives, including market men and women, hunters, members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, to discuss issues affecting their communities.

The representatives commended the governor for providing a platform for direct engagement with the government, describing such meetings as important for communicating local concerns and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.

They also expressed support for the administration’s development initiatives and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

The meeting ended with discussions on the Awujale succession, infrastructure, investment and the economic prospects of Ogun East, with Abiodun reaffirming his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development across the district.