Residents of Oke-Aro in Ogun State came out in large numbers to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of the Olu of Oke-Aro, Oba Olayiwola Alani Ṣodipo, as the colourful event also attracted dignitaries and visitors from within and outside the community.
Speaking with journalists at his palace , the monarch said the town had witnessed remarkable development since his ascension to the throne one year ago.
Oba Sodipo recalled that Oke-Aro was once notorious for insecurity, with criminal activities making life difficult for residents. He said the situation was so bad that even security operatives were reluctant to enter parts of the community to arrest suspected criminals.
"I convened a security meeting involving residents and non-indigenes and made it clear that anyone found on the wrong side of the law would face the full weight of justice. Since then, peace has gradually returned to the community," the monarch said.
The traditional ruler also commended the Ogun State Government for embarking on major infrastructural projects, particularly the construction of roads linking Oke-Aro with neighboring communities. According to him, the project will improve transportation, stimulate commerce and attract more investment to the area.
Oba Sodipo disclosed that the community previously had no police station, forcing residents to travel to Agbado Crossing whenever they needed police intervention. He, however, expressed appreciation to Honorable. Fola Salami for supporting the establishment of a police station in Oke-Aro.
Beyond the ongoing road construction, the monarch revealed that plans were underway to establish a modern market that would serve as a commercial hub and attract investors to the community.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government to provide additional support in the health sector, noting that although the town has a primary health center, residents are eager to see the completion of an abandoned government hospital project to prevent it from becoming a hideout for hoodlums.
According to the monarch, residents can now move freely within Oke-Aro without fear, as criminal elements that once terrorised the community have been driven away, making the town safer and more peaceful.
Oba Ṣodipọ expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for the ongoing developmental projects in the community, especially the road construction. He also commended Commissioner Oladunjoye Hamzat, Hon. Fola Salami, Hon. Isiaka and the Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kushimo, for their significant contributions to the growth and development of Oke-Aro.
The monarch also used the occasion to invite sons and daughters of Oke-Aro, residents, friends of the community and members of the general public to the grand finale of the week-long activities marking his first coronation anniversary, which will hold on Saturday, July 11. He said the event would celebrate the community's rich cultural heritage while bringing together stakeholders to promote peace, unity and continued development in Oke-Aro.
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