In a significant demonstration of commitment to effective traditional governance and community development, the Okere of Saki, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Surv. Khalid Olabisi Oyeniyi Ayinla Ado, has presented brand-new vehicles to three senior chiefs within the Saki traditional council. The gesture, widely applauded across the ancient town, is aimed at enhancing the operational capacity, mobility, and efficiency of key custodians of Saki’s traditional administration.
The beneficiaries of the royal largesse are High Chief Basapa of Saki, High Chief Iba Apeefin of Saki, and High Chief Lasigbon of Saki—three influential members of the monarch’s cabinet whose responsibilities span cultural leadership, community mediation, and liaison between the palace and grassroots institutions. The presentation, which took place on Tuesday, was attended by palace chiefs, community leaders, youth representatives, and well-wishers who described the initiative as timely and visionary.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ado underscored the indispensable role of traditional rulers and chiefs in maintaining peace, promoting unity, and supporting developmental initiatives at the community level. He noted that the provision of official vehicles was not merely ceremonial but a strategic investment designed to ease the logistical challenges faced by the chiefs in the discharge of their duties, including attending community engagements, conflict-resolution meetings, and representing the palace at official functions.
“Our traditional institutions remain the closest governance structure to the people,” the monarch stated. “To serve effectively, our chiefs must be well supported. These vehicles are meant to strengthen their capacity to respond promptly to community needs and to enhance coordination within the traditional council for the overall progress of Saki.”
The Okere further reiterated his administration’s resolve to modernise traditional governance while preserving its cultural essence. According to him, empowering palace officials with the necessary tools reflects a broader vision of a responsive, people-oriented traditional system that complements government efforts in security, social cohesion, and development.
In separate remarks, the beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to the monarch, describing the gesture as unprecedented and motivating. High Chief Basapa, speaking on behalf of the recipients, pledged renewed dedication to service, assuring the monarch and the people of Saki that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for official duties and community advancement.
“This support places a greater responsibility on us to serve with integrity, diligence, and transparency,” he said. “We see this as a call to do more for our people and to uphold the confidence His Royal Majesty has reposed in us.”
Residents and stakeholders who witnessed the event hailed the development as a reflection of purposeful leadership, noting that improved mobility for traditional chiefs would translate into faster response to communal issues and stronger engagement across Saki’s wards and surrounding communities.
