Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has received the Onise of Iseland, His Royal Majesty Oba Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu, ACA, Okuoye VII, charging the monarch and his council to sustain peace, security and responsible grassroots leadership as major investments continue to transform the Ibeju-Lekki corridor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the charge when Oba Saliu led members of the Onise-in-Council on a private audience with him at the State House, Alausa, where he warmly welcomed the monarch and his delegation.
The governor commended the people of Ise and the entire Ibeju-Lekki corridor for their peaceful disposition, law-abiding conduct and continued support for government initiatives.
Sanwo-Olu also offered fatherly prayers for the monarch and his reign, while advising the palace to maintain its role as a peaceful anchor for the area, particularly as major infrastructure and investment projects continue to expand across the axis.
The governor’s counsel, according to the delegation, centred on sustainable grassroots governance, peaceful coexistence and the need for traditional institutions to work closely with government in creating an environment where development and investment can thrive.
Oba Saliu pledged his commitment to protecting peace, security and investment in Ise, assuring the governor that the community would continue to support the development agenda of the Lagos State Government.
The monarch, who commended the governor’s leadership under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, said Ise’s strategic position as a host community to some of the country’s biggest investments placed a special responsibility on the traditional institution and its people.
“As a traditional ruler and a Chartered Accountant, I understand the importance of responsible leadership, accountability and sustainable development. Ise is committed to peace, unity and grassroots security because development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.
Oba Saliu identified the Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as major projects with significant economic implications for Ise, Lagos State and Nigeria.
“These investments present enormous opportunities for our people, but they also come with responsibilities. As the host community, we must provide the peaceful and secure environment necessary for businesses and infrastructure to thrive,” the monarch said.
The Onise also used the occasion to formally present a Letter of Appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, expressing gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its support, particularly during his appointment and the presentation of his Staff of Office.
He acknowledged the governor’s “exceptional hospitality, wise counsel and prayers” following his emergence as the Onise of Ise.
Oba Saliu also recalled the contributions of the late Onise of Ise, Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan, whose advocacy for the development and elevation of Ise, he said, remained a source of inspiration to the present administration of the traditional institution..
The monarch conveyed royal greetings to the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and prayed for the successful completion of the governor’s tenure.
He also prayed for peace and stability in Lagos State during the forthcoming electoral season, urging political actors and residents to place the interests of the state above partisan considerations.
Oba Saliu assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that Ise would continue to collaborate with the state government and other stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, responsible community leadership and an enabling environment for investment and development.