The Ogeloyinbo of Ayetoro, Ondo State, Oba Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi, has departed Nigeria for Antalya, Turkey, to participate in a United Nations conference where he is expected to draw international attention to coastal erosion and its impact on communities in the Ilaje Local Government Area.
The traditional ruler is attending the conference to represent Ondo State and present the concerns of the Coalition of Ilaje Coastal Communities, which comprises Ayetoro, Awoye, Abereke, Mese, Idi-Ogba, Gbagira and other communities affected by coastal degradation.
According to a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Comrade Akingboye Thompson, the monarch will work with the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), which is hosting a pavilion in the conference’s Blue Zone, to highlight the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the coastal communities.
The statement said rising ocean waters and coastal erosion had destroyed homes, schools, churches, health centres, industries and fishing grounds, leaving residents struggling to protect their livelihoods and preserve their communities.
It added that the monarch would use the international platform to seek stronger shoreline protection, land reclamation, compensation for affected residents and restoration of economic activities in the communities.
The statement said the monarch’s engagement would focus on three broad areas, including Nigeria’s climate commitments, Ondo State’s coastal development priorities and the survival of communities affected by coastal erosion.
At the national level, he is expected to advocate a shift from climate-related promises to implementation, including direct adaptation financing and the speedy release of the Loss and Damage Fund.
For Ondo State, the proposed agenda includes coastal resilience, land reclamation, stronger climate policies and international partnerships to attract technical expertise and investment.
The statement also referenced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s engagement with Dutch experts as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation on coastal protection.
For the affected Ilaje communities, the monarch is expected to seek resilient walkways, access to safe water, protection of fishing activities, compensation for losses and nature-based solutions to address coastal degradation.
The statement said the monarch’s participation was aimed at ensuring that the experiences and demands of residents of the affected communities received attention in international discussions on climate change and environmental protection.
It added that the delegation would seek partnerships and practical interventions capable of addressing the environmental challenges threatening the livelihoods and future of coastal residents.
The statement was signed by Comrade Akingboye Thompson, Personal Assistant to the Ogeloyinbo of Ayetoro.
