Owa Obokun describes grassroots development monitoring as laudable, acknowledges difficulties facing local government watchdog initiative
The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has urged members of the Ijesaland Independent Development Monitors (IIDM) an initiative of the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA), to exercise patience as they work towards fulfilling their mandate of promoting transparency and accountability in grassroots development.
The monarch gave the advice on Friday, October 16, 2026, when the IIDM delegation, led by its Chairman, Dr. Adigun Adewoye, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ilesa.
Describing the initiative as laudable, Oba Haastrup said he believed the work of the monitors was voluntary and acknowledged that the prevailing local government situation in Osun State had handicapped the organisation’s activities.
“I want to believe your job is voluntary. What you have set yourself to is laudable,” the monarch said, commending the team for undertaking the responsibility of monitoring development at the grassroots.
He observed that local government administration was more organised in advanced countries, noting that financial autonomy granted to local governments was an important factor in their functioning. However, he said Osun State had not been equally fortunate in this regard.
“I’m sure the situation in Osun has handicapped your work,” Oba Haastrup stated, acknowledging the difficulties confronting IIDM as it seeks to establish an effective system for monitoring local government activities and development projects.
The monarch also expressed interest in the impact of the last election on local government administration, saying he was eagerly awaiting developments in that regard.
“I’m eagerly waiting on the impact of the last election on the local government,” he said.
Oba Haastrup disclosed that he had programmes he hoped to implement in collaboration with local government authorities, underscoring the importance of effective cooperation between the traditional institution and the third tier of government in advancing community development.
He acknowledged that IIDM might encounter difficulties in carrying out its activities under the prevailing circumstances and encouraged the team to remain patient.
“In Ijesa, we have watchdogs who can monitor. The team should exercise patience,” the monarch said, expressing confidence in the value of community-based monitoring.
He concluded his response with a prayer for the IIDM team as it continues its work in the interest of Ijesaland.
Earlier, Dr. Adewoye explained that IIDM, an initiative of the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA), was established to promote transparency in the utilisation of public resources, accountability in public affairs and citizen participation in monitoring grassroots development projects across the six Local Government Areas of Ijesaland.
He informed the monarch that the organisation had undertaken community sensitisation, stakeholder engagement and media awareness activities, and had developed a website to provide public information and support the reporting of local government activities and development projects.
However, the chairman acknowledged that the organisation’s core operations, including systematic field visits, project verification and publication of monitoring reports, had yet to be fully implemented.
He attributed the challenge principally to the prolonged political and legal dispute surrounding the control and administration of local government councils in Osun State.
Dr. Adewoye therefore appealed to the Owa Obokun to assist in encouraging the Governor of Osun State, leaders of political parties and relevant authorities to cooperate with IIDM, stressing that the organisation was non-partisan and committed to operating within the law.
He also sought the monarch’s guidance in facilitating constructive engagement with local government authorities and mobilising traditional institutions, community leaders, women and young people in support of the initiative.
Members of the delegation included Chief Michael Gbadebo, representing Obokun Local Government Area; Mrs. Aderonke Gbadamisi, the youth representative and President of the Ijesa Youth Forum; and Mr. Taiwo Olatunji, representing Oriade Local Government Area.
Other IIDM members listed as absent were the Vice Chairman, Dr. Remi Folorunso; Dr. Olu Olujide; and Mr. Ayodeji Odeyemi.
Palace dignitaries present included High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi, the Odole of Ilesa; Loja Bode Owofade, the Elumelu of Imelu; and Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Chief of Staff to the Owa Obokun.
IIDM’s initiative is aimed at providing communities with a constructive platform to monitor local government development activities and promote accountability in the collective interest of the Ijesa people.
By Oladimeji Lasore (KAKAKIOODUA) (+2347035105413)
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