Makinde reinstates traditional ruler after six months suspension

The Oyo State Government has lifted the suspension of a traditional ruler, the Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Babalola, (Gbadewolu I), six months after he was suspended.

The Executive Council Chairman of Ido Local Government Area, Sheriff Adeojo, made the announcement, on Thursday, while presenting the reinstatement letter to the traditional ruler.

The According reported that the Oyo State government had suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), as the Onido of Ido in Ido LG of the state, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola.

The letter indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

While congratulating the Onido of Ido, the council chairman said the state government, under the leadership of Makinde, would continue to regard traditional institutions as a stabilising force in communities and the state as a whole.

Speaking further on the development, Adeojo commended Makinde for his support and belief in the traditional institution as the backbone of any government, being closer to the people at the grassroots.

According to Adeojo, Makinde believes that the roles of traditional rulers exist in collaboration with the other tiers of government for good governance and security of communities within their domains.

He thereafter urged Oba Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) to continue to use his kingship to promote peace in the Ido Local Government Area.

In his reaction, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade said, “On February 2 this year after exhaustive investigations that involved the Onido of Ido himself, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde was satisfied that fairness and justice will be served if the hard decision to suspend the Onido was taken and he did.

“The promised six months has now been served and the Governor needed no further persuasion to let the Onido back to his duties without further ado.

“It is the hallmark of good leadership to be at once tough and fair when the need arises.”