Kunle Adelabu
His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade 1, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, has said that ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic can be defeated if people can be united in observing necessary measures.
In a message released on Saturday (today) and signed by his Consultant on Media and Publicity, Mr Stephen Adesemoye, in commemoration of his 4th coronation anniversary, the monarch also assured the people that the pandemic is a phase that will pass.
Oba Kasali stated that in order to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, people need to be united in adhering to the laid down directives by the government and the health bodies.
According to the monarch, beyond the efforts of the government, people also need to observe social distancing, proper hygiene practices, abstain from public gathering and other regulations stimulated by the government and health authority.
“The palace understands the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on businesses and the way of life of people, that is why we are with them during this time of dire need.
“It is at a time like this I urge all Nigerians to remain united in their day-to-day dealings with one another, irrespective of tribe or religion. Together, we can defeat this pandemic and have things return to normalcy”, he said.
Oba Kasali seized the opportunity of his coronation anniversary message to also commiserate with families of late Senator Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, Senator, Lagos East Senatorial District and other people that might have lost their beloved ones during this trying period.
He also called on the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and appropriate agencies to take the security of lives and property serious, especially as it relates to his community.
According to him, there is no better time to come together to stem the prevailing incidents of cult related violence and other forms of insecurity than now. “The cultists must be treated as ‘common enemies’ to themselves and the future of our great Igbogbo Kingdom”.
The revered monarch drew the plight of the government to the state of roads in his domain, stating that provision of adequate infrastructure is necessary in ensuring a viable economy and discouraging urban migration.
“Other issues I would like to draw the attention of the government to include that of flooding and how it threatens the lives of my people, as well as the delay in compensating people of Igbogbo Kingdom whose houses were demolished to pave ways for road construction.
“It is enough pain to lose one’s ancestral home(s) to the development of our kingdom. It is more disheartening to wait endlessly for compensation that is meant to resettle the heroes/heroines of this noble sacrifice.”
While thanking the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr Olufemi Hamzat for their unalloyed support, Oba Semiudeen also used the opportunity to remind Mr Governor of the compensation for his people.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Ijaolu family, the council of Obas, my traditional and honourary Chiefs, Baales of communities, lyaloja and Babaloja, religious bodies, as well as the Chairman and great staff of Igbogbo Bayeku Local Government for the support they have shown me these past four years.”
“My gratitude will lack substance if I don’t specially recognize the elected representatives, political actors and community developers that have been of immense support to the throne.”
“I would also like to call on the sons and daughters of Igbogbo as well as the Lagos State Government to come together to ensure the rapid development of the Kingdom,” he added.
While appealing to religious bodies to continue praying for the defeat of the pandemic which has prevented believers from observing prayers in different places of worship, Adeboruwa also commended frontline health workers for their relentless efforts in combating the novel disease.
“It is also of great importance that I acknowledge sacrifices being made by religious leaders and their congregants, including the ‘Olombas’ (traditionalists), that have been unable to worship at various places of worship since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These people have been unable to celebrate important festivals due to the physical distance measure as stipulated by COVID-19 protocols. I enjoin them to keep praying for the world to overcome the challenges.
“I also want to identify with our frontline workers in the State ably led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. Their commitments and dedication to duty made it possible for the state to effectively manage the pandemic at great risk to their own health”, Kabiyesi said.
“As we gradually approach Ileya celebration, I wish Muslim community a happy celebration and enjoin them to observe the sallah in peace and harmony. “They should reflect on the importance of the celebration and pray for the country and its leaders. It is also important that they adhere strictly to whatever directive that may be issued by the government in this regard, ” he said.
