The traditional ruler of Apa Kingdom, Badagry division of Lagos State, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi, Ilufemiloye Ajose Possi III, has said that his people are working to derive maximum benefit from oil discovered in his domain.
This is coming on the heels of Lagos State government preparedness to derive the benefits of oil exploration in Badagry division alongside the deep seaport construction, which is to commence shortly.
The monarch while speaking with travel journalists in his palace on Monday, revealed that the report of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by his palace has already been submitted to the people concerned and high ranking obas and chiefs in the community for them to study and come out with a position on the best way forward his people.
Beside, the traditional ruler disclosed that his people have resolved that the negative effects of oil exploration and all its attendant societal effects as witnessed in the Niger–Delta, particularly Ogoniland, would be avoided by ensuring that the report of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is followed strictly.
“We already commissioned a team of experts to conduct an EIA and the report submitted to the people because we don’t want what happened to Ogoniland to happen here,” said the ruler, who disclosed how excited he is over the oil, adding that it would impact his community and transformed it greatly.
The Oba assured prospective investors, businesses and workers deployed to work on the twin projects that his people are fully disposed to the projects and warmly welcomed all of them to the community.
He further pledged that no agitation or youth restiveness of any kind should be expected as the palace has fully mobilised and educated the people on the benefits of the projects to them.
“Anybody who wants to bring development to our land would be welcome, the palace and chiefs will control the people and the boys,” he said, adding that “my people are gentle, welcoming, we are ready for the investors, we have the land and we are ready for development.”
Adekanmi also said that the tourism potentials of the kingdom would be fully developed, disclosing that the community, which is part of Badagry, has rich and abundant cultural heritage and tourist attractions waiting to be developed.
The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for his commitment towards the realization of the twin projects.
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