The traditional ruler of Ijanikin in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Momodu Asafa, the Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin kingdom, has appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide potable water for the people of the town.

Mr Asafa made the appeal during a press conference to mark his 50th coronation anniversary on Monday in Lagos.

He said potable water supply was a big challenge in the town, adding many residents depended on boreholes drilled by individuals for water supply.

Mr Asafa, who was installed as traditional ruler on Dec.14, 1973, said he had done a lot to promote the development of the town.

“When I became traditional ruler, I gave priority attention to education and security. So, I built the first police station in the town.

“In 1973, we had just one school, which was the school I attended, but today, through my efforts and the efforts of other people, we have tertiary institutions and many primary and secondary schools in Ijanikin.

“I built the Ijanikin Police Station, and for many years, I was Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ijanikin and also that of State Command in Ikeja.

“I am a man of peace, in my 50 years as traditional ruler of this kingdom, I have not been taken to court neither have I taken anyone to court. I have done my best for this town,” he said.

Mr Asafa, who once worked as a teacher, urged the government of Lagos to reintroduce corporal punishment in schools to address indiscipline among pupils.

According to him, many students behave badly nowadays because they know that they will not be punished by their teachers.

He commended his chiefs and wives for their cooperation and support in the last 50 years.

Speaking, Esther Asafa, the first wife of the traditional ruler, described him as a peaceful man.

“Oba Asafa knows what he wants and goes straight for it. He is very honest, patient and hardworking,” she added.

In his remarks, Abayomi Sadiq, the chairman of the planning committee of the 50th coronation anniversary celebration, said the traditional ruler had served his subjects well since his ascension to the throne 50 years ago.

“As part of activities marking the occasion, it is customary at this point in time for all the Baales and traditional Chiefs to pay homage to the traditional ruler and this will take place on Dec.5.

“Other activities include the traditional Gbedu drumming, which is going on now simultaneously with the press conference.

“The saying that, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is another reason why we are going to have a games day on Dec.5.

“So, it is expected that across the length and breadth of the town, people from all walks of life will engage themselves with traditional ‘Opon ayo ‘and other games to relax their nerves.

“As one who is known for supporting initiatives on cleaner and desirable environment, Dec.7 has been set aside for sanitation and market day.

“On Dec.8, the traditional is going to visit the senior citizens at the Grey and Strong Foundation here in Ijanikin,” he said.

The chairman said that a youth symposium would be held on Dec.9, followed by a Jumat service and then a church service.

“As a former teacher and lover of education, we are giving an opportunity to schools within the Ijanikin kingdom to pay homage to the king and to also have the freedom to interact with him on Dec.11.

“On Dec.12, we will have Isese Day, and different communities, CDAs, PCRC, clubs, and societies will also pay homage to the traditional ruler on the same day.

“In a bid to give back to society and his concerns for the well-being of his people, Dec.13 has been set aside for a free health mission, which will give residents the opportunity to check their sugar level and blood pressure. There will also be eye screening and distribution of eyeglasses.

“The grand finale, which will be celebrated on Dec.15 at the Foreign Affairs Academy premises, will serve as the flagship of all events for the anniversary,” he said.

Mr Sadiq said that invites had been sent to President Bola Tinubu and Mr Sanwo-Olu for the anniversary.

(NAN)