By Tope OYEKAN

The Executive Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government,  Alhaji Babatunde EMILOLA-GAZAL, has sought the cooperation of the Councillors of the local government, with a call for a synergy between the newly-inaugurated Legislative Council and the Executive arm.

Alhaji GAZAL made this call on Monday in his address at the proclamation of the 9th Legislature of the local government.

He charged the Councillors to work harmoniously with the Executive arm in order to actualise his administration's vision of providing good governance and bringing maximum dividends of democracy to the teeming populace of the local government area.

"You should see your new responsibilities as a call to duty, and face the enormous challenges ahead and contribute meaningfully and selflessly towards the development of the local government. Let me remind you that your main duty is to make laws that would help the administration, and further strengthen our resolve to meaningfully contribute to the overall development of our people and the local government," said the Chairman.

He promised to run a Honest, Open, and Transparent administration, and that he will be guided at all times by his conscience and fear of God, in the discharge of his duties.

He said his administration is working on the resuscitation of the old Public Works Department; with a view to properly maintaining existing infrastructure; and also working on improving the aesthetic value of the entire city, and making it more beautiful. He also listed as one of his fervent desire, the resumption of work on the new office secretariat complex, initiated by the Giwa Bisi RODIPE administration,  almost 30 years ago; as well as his plans of honouring illustrious sons and daughters of Ijebuland,  at an annual Olabisi Onabanjo Lecture billed to hold next february.

The Chairman appreciated the Governor, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, for his uncommon political sagacity and for his bold step of conducting the July 24 local government elections, which is a clear testimony of the high premium he places on the development of the grassroot, and the confirmation  of his administration's mantra,  Igbega Ipinle Ogun,  Ajose Gbogbo Wa Ni.

He also thanked the party leaders and members for their overwhelming support and peaceful conduct towards, during, and after the elections.

Following the inauguration of the legislators by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Michael BOLUJOKO, Oaths of Allegiance/Office were administered on them, while a new Leader of the House,  Hon. Adeshola OGUNDARE was unanimously elected to lead the 9th legislature.

The Leader, Hon. OGUNDARE, in his acceptance speech, promised on behalf of himself and his colleagues, to be faithful,  loyal, and discharge their duties with fear of God, and for the service of the people.

Present at the event were Wife of the Executive Chairman, Mrs. Olusola EMILOLA-GAZAL; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Philips OGUNPITAN; and Director, General Services and Administration, Mr. J.O. SAFIRIYU, both of Ijebu Ode Local Government; the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,  Ijebu Ode Local Government, Mr. Adebanjo SIKIRU; Chairman, Ogun State Governor's Elders Advisory Council, Chief O.B. OKUBOYEJO; members of the council, including, Giwa Bisi RODIPE; Chief Ibukunoluwa OJOSIPE; Alhaji Rasheed ADENUSI; Alhaji Bisi QUADRI; and Alhaji Raimi SARUMI; among other party chieftains.

Also in attendance were members of the immediate past Transition Committee, led by the former Vice Chairman, Alhaji Lagun ANIBI; the Council of Olorituns, led by their Chairman, Alhaji M .A. ALLI; the Chairman,  Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ijebu Ode Chapter, Rev. Most Superior ADEDIPE; and the Eketa Adeen of Ijebuland; Chief Abdulwahab OLEOLU,  who represented the Chief Imam of Ijebuland.