The dynasty of a former Baale of Ibadanland, Aare Obadoke Latoosa, has lauded the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for immortalising the late traditional ruler by naming one of the newly created local council development areas after him.
The commendation was contained in a letter by the Mogaji and Head of Aare Latosa dynasty, Chief Hakeem Aare-Latosa, to the governor, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday.
The traditional ruler ruled Ibadanland as Baale from 1871 to 1885, while his son, Baale Shittu Latosa also reigned in the land from 1914 to 1925.
The crown prince said that the “historic” development of creating new local council development areas and naming one after the family’s progenitor was a right step in the right direction.
He pledged the support and cooperation of the royal family towards the inauguration and smooth operation of the LCDAs.
Latoosa said, “Your (Ajimobi) approval of the new LCDAs in Oyo State, including Aare Latosa LCDA, constitutes a laudable immortalisation of Aare Latosa (1871-1885), the founder and progenitor of Aare Latoosa dynasty.
“We shall remember this development perpetually, from generation to generation.
“We use this medium to express our unflinching support to your government and pledge to render the assistance and cooperation required for the development of our new LCDAs.”
Governor Ajimobi had on August 23, through his Chief of Staff, Dr. Gbade Ojo, disclosed that his administration intended to carve out 35 LCDAs from the existing 33 local government areas of the state to take development closer to the grass roots.
Under the initiative, Ibadan zone will get 14 councils, while Ibarapa zone will get two. Four councils will be added to Oyo zone; Ogbomoso zone, gets seven, while Oke-Ogun gets eight.