By Emmanuel Daniji

For residents of Epe Division, peace, development and the preservation of their communities remain issues that require everyone — government, traditional rulers and residents — to work together.

It was against this backdrop that the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, met with traditional rulers across Epe Division on September 4, 2026, in a bid to strengthen the relationship between government and the communities they represent.

The meeting, held at the Epe Chalet, brought Hamzat together with traditional rulers from Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Eredo to discuss issues affecting their people and the continued development of the division.

Beyond the formalities of the engagement, the discussions focused on the need for stronger cooperation at the grassroots, particularly in maintaining peace, promoting development and ensuring that the concerns of residents are reflected in government policies and programmes.

Speaking during the engagement, Hamzat stressed the importance of partnership between the state government and traditional institutions, describing their roles as critical to building a peaceful and prosperous Lagos.

He also called attention to the importance of preserving the cultural heritage and traditional values of Epe Division, noting that traditional rulers remain key stakeholders in maintaining unity and stability within their communities.

According to him, the government cannot work in isolation, making continued engagement with community leaders essential to understanding the realities and aspirations of the people.

Hamzat reaffirmed the state administration’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers and other community stakeholders, while keeping the interests of residents at the centre of its programmes.

The engagement also placed responsibility on the traditional institution to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, development and harmony across Epe Division.

For communities across Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Eredo, the meeting underscored the importance of having traditional institutions and government working together to address local concerns and build communities where residents can live and thrive in peace.