Gov Abiodun says he may be crown Oba after retirement from office

Ogun State's Governor Dapo Abiodun has made hints that he may take on a traditional role after leaving office.

Abiodun, who reiterated once more that he is a prince from a royal lineage, stated that he may seek out the crown and join the league of traditional kings in Ogun, whom he claimed to envy because they have an unbroken reign.

At a gathering of traditional leaders in Joga Orile, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, the governor made this disclosure.

Abiodun claimed that the Ogun West monarchs, led by Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu, had come to his office to inform him that they had decided to support his bid for a second term.

He reportedly insisted that the endorsement take place within the realm of the monarchs, who call themselves "The Trusted Royals," according to Abiodun.

"When the executive of The Trusted Royals muted the idea that they wanted to endorse me, I said let me come to your domain for the endorsement.

"You know that I’m also a prince. Maybe after I leave office, I will now go and sit down and think of how to go and carry my crown somewhere. So that I will be crowned an Oba in my retirement,” Abiodun said.

The governor said, “We must always give you (Obas) the regards due to you. I, particularly, understand the roles of Obas in governance. You’re the closest to the grassroots. You’re the custodians of our varying reach culture and traditions. You’re the ones that feel the pulse of our citizens. You know them better than we do, and we must ensure that we continue to consult with you.

"We must accord you the importance and the relevance that your throne deserves.”

The governor's position, however immensely exalted, did not give the Iperu-born Abiodun the unquestionable status of an emperor or king, he claimed.

He said that the governor only serves as the custodian of the authority given to him through an election so he can exercise democratic rule over his subjects.

Abiodun declared that he would not take his position for granted and that he is aware that it is temporary.

“I’ve promised to serve the people of Ogun State very diligently. I will be fair, I promise to be just, equitable and I promise that no part of this state will be developed at the expense of another part,” he stated.

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