Awori Obas Forum of Ado-Odo/Ota have pledged their support for the newly introduced revenue item called “COMMUNITY RATE” by the Sheriff Adewale Musa-led administration of Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The pledge was made at a meeting, which held at the council secretariat today, and which was attended by about 12 monarchs, led by the Olota of Ota, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege.
Chairman of the Council, Hon. Sheriff Adewale Musa, who presided over the meeting, had sought the support of the monarchs on the rate.
All the Kings in attendance then reeled out areas of concern that needed the intervention of the government within their locality to the Chairman.
Kabiyesi Onilogbo, Oba (Barr.) Samuel Ojugbele, decried the poor state of the roads that lead to Ilogbo.
He was corroborated by Onitigbo of Tigbo-Ilu Kingdom, Oba Victor Fagbayi.
On their part, Kabiyesi Ajana of Ijana Ota, Oba Olusegun Akinyemi, and Kabiyesi Onikotun of Otun Ota, Oba Akeem Odunaro advised the Local Government Chairman to promptly fix potholes on the connecting roads within Ota metropolis.
Also speaking, Kabiyesi Alagbara of Agbara, Oba (Barr.) Jayeola Agunbiade sympathized with the local government on their inability to carry out meaningful projects despite paucity of funds.
In his contribution, the Olota of Ota, HRM, Oba Obalanlege, encouraged the Local Government Chairman to look inwards and generate revenue for the development of the area
In his response, the council boss, Hon. Sheriff Musa, appreciated the traditional rulers for their input and contributions.
Hon. Musa informed the Monarchs that his administration had earlier enacted a Bye Law that allows the Local Government to collect “Community Rate” from the residents.
He said that the minimum amount to be paid by a building is N1,000 for mud houses for a whole year, while regular bungalows are to pay N2,000 each.
According to him, it is only buildings that serve commercial purposes that are required to pay N6,000.
He clarified that this does not negate or conflict with the Land Use Charge that is being collected by the State Government.
Reacting to this, the Obas unanimously applauded the ingenuity of the Council Chairman and pledged their support in driving compliance by the citizens.
They further said that they were willing to collaborate with the Local Government on other interventions that will salvage the current poor state of infrastructure within the Local Government.
Hon. Musa then promised to continually engage the monarchs through meetings and visits to their palaces for counsel and robust partnership to move the Local Government forward.
Other monarchs present at the meeting included Onitetiku of Owode Ota, Akogun of Oruba Ota, Onigboko of Igboko, Onikooko of Kooko Ebiye, and Onikogbo of Ikogbo.
Also present at the meeting were the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Adebola Bamgbose, and the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Abiodun Sejoro Akonthe.
