Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents of the state that his administration will record a seamless, peaceful and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027, pledging to set a historic benchmark in the state’s governance history.

The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area, declaring that his administration is determined to be the first in Ogun State’s history to successfully hand over power without acrimony.

“As we approach 2027, not only will we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God this administration will hand over successfully to a successor.

“It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50-year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit down as your governor at my send-forth ceremony and also sit at the swearing-in ceremony of my successor,” Abiodun said.

The governor attributed his confidence to what he described as solid governance, economic expansion and people-focused development recorded under his watch, noting that Ogun State’s economy has grown significantly since he assumed office.

According to him, the state’s annual budget has expanded from about ₦355 billion at the inception of his administration to over ₦2.7 trillion, reflecting increased economic activities and growing investor confidence.

“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground. New factories and industries are springing up across the state. We have reconstructed over 2,000 schools, created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people — and we are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong,” he stated.

Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to continue using his office to glorify God and serve the people through impactful, people-oriented projects, citing the Gateway International Airport and other key infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts as lasting legacies of his administration.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as purposeful leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the country is gradually stabilising with improved availability of petroleum products, easing inflationary pressures and a more stable foreign exchange regime.

Speaking on the significance of the Christmas season, the governor reminded residents that Christmas goes beyond celebration and merriment, stressing that love, peace and compassion for the vulnerable define its true essence.

“Many people think Christmas is about shopping or partying, but that is not what Christmas is about. Christmas is about love — loving your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater gift than God giving us Jesus to die for our unrighteousness.

“Some people give what they no longer need, but God gave us a priceless gift. In the spirit of Christmas, we must remember to give to others and extend a hand of fellowship to the less privileged,” he said.

He urged residents to live Christ-like lives in thought, conduct and relationships, advising moderation in celebration and cautioning against excessive alcohol consumption.

In his sermon titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the Vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, described Christmas as the season God gave Himself to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Quoting from Hebrews 1:2-3 and John 1:2, 14, the cleric said the purpose of Christ’s birth can only be fulfilled when the gift is accepted, noting that Jesus came to save mankind from sin.

Ven. Akinwande emphasized that God’s love remains endless despite human shortcomings and urged believers to embrace the sacrifice of Christ and live transformed lives that reflect His character.

The clergyman also commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful and transformative leadership in Ogun State, praying that the end of his tenure would be even better than its beginning.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Mr. Abdul-Nojeem Olayinka as the new Auditor-General for Local Governments, following the successful conclusion of his screening exercise.

The confirmation came after the adoption of the report of the Committee of the Whole House, presented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye. The motion for confirmation was unanimously supported by lawmakers through a voice vote.

Moving the motion for confirmation, Hon. Ajayi stated that the committee had carefully examined the nominee’s curriculum vitae, professional credentials and responses during the screening session, adding that Mr. Olayinka was found competent and suitable for the position.

The Speaker subsequently directed that the resolution of the House be communicated to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the swearing-in of the confirmed nominee.

In a related legislative development, the Assembly also passed a bill seeking to establish the Ogun State Agricultural Land Management Agency.

The bill, titled “H.B. No. 029/OG/2025 – Ogun State Agricultural Land Management Agency Bill, 2025,” is designed to provide a structured and transparent framework for agricultural land allocation and management across the state.

According to the lawmakers, the proposed agency will deploy a Comprehensive Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA), aimed at ensuring sustainable land use, preventing conflicts, and promoting inclusive agricultural development.

The passage of the bill followed the presentation of the report of the Joint Committees on Agriculture, Lands and Housing, led by the committee chairman, Hon. Waliu Owode. The report was adopted after a motion was moved by Owode, seconded by Hon. Olusegun Kaka Odunuga, and unanimously approved by the House through a voice vote.

The bill was subsequently considered clause by clause by the Committee of the Whole House before the Deputy Speaker moved the motion for its third reading. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and supported by all members present.

Thereafter, the Clerk and Head of the Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, conducted the third reading of the bill on the floor of the House.

Following its passage, the Speaker directed that a clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Dapo Abiodun for assent.

The twin developments underscore the Ogun State House of Assembly’s commitment to strengthening public accountability at the local government level and promoting sustainable agricultural land management to drive economic growth in the state.

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, transparency, and due process in the ongoing efforts to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, pledging that the revered traditional institution will be protected from controversy and undue pressure.

The assurance was given as part of deliberate steps by the state administration to preserve stability in Ijebu land and safeguard one of Ogun State’s most historic and respected traditional stools.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, made the position of government known during a closed-door stakeholders’ meeting held at the Oke-Mosan Government Secretariat, Abeokuta.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and representatives of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council. The gathering underscored a collaborative approach between government authorities and traditional institutions in handling the sensitive succession process.

Addressing participants, Governor Abiodun emphasised the deep cultural, historical and symbolic importance of the Awujale stool, noting that its significance demands a careful, transparent and inclusive selection process.

“Although the Awujale throne is presently vacant, the Ogun State Government will not rush the emergence of a successor without carrying out thorough due diligence,” the governor stated. He appealed to all concerned parties and the general public to remain patient and refrain from taking premature steps outside official directives.

The governor further stressed that the process would be guided strictly by existing legal frameworks, including the Obas and Chiefs Laws of 2021, which clearly define the roles, powers and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in chieftaincy matters across the state.

In addition, the Chieftaincy Declaration applicable to the Awujale stool will serve as the authoritative document guiding the succession process, ensuring that tradition is respected while legality is upheld.

According to the state government, adherence to these established mechanisms is crucial to preventing disputes, maintaining public order, and guaranteeing that the eventual selection is lawful, credible and widely accepted by the Ijebu community.

By placing peace, transparency and inclusivity at the forefront, the Abiodun administration aims to reinforce public confidence in the chieftaincy process, protect the integrity of the Awujale institution, and demonstrate its broader commitment to the rule of law and harmonious governance.

Observers believe the approach adopted by the Ogun State Government could serve as a model for handling chieftaincy successions across the state, ensuring that the next Awujale of Ijebuland emerges with legitimacy, dignity and the collective support of the people.