The Nloku of Iraye-Remo, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye Sugbodo Sugbada II, has called on the government to accord traditional rulers constitutional roles to enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective communities and the nation at large.
Oba Kalejaiye made the call recently during his seventh coronation anniversary and 70th birthday at Iraye-Remo, Ogun State.
He said the 1999 Constitution had made them redundant in terms of contributing their quota as expected.
Reacting to the dispute over supremacy between the people of his community and Ode-Remo, Oba Kalejaiye disclosed that there was no rift between him and the Alaye Ode of Ode-Remo, Oba Joseph Adesanya.
He described the relationship between himself and Oba Adesanya as cordial, adding that Nloku of Iraye-Remo was one of the sons of Oduduwa, who first came to Remo land and settled where they are staying presently.
He recalled that on September 29, 1937, during Martindale Inquiry, Oba Adesanya made a declaration that Nloku was his maternal great grandfather.
Oba Kalejaiye, however, appealed to the people of the two communities to do away with acts capable of fanning the embers of discord and embrace peace.
He further expressed gratitude to the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, for attending the ceremony.
He also used the occasion to appeal to the local government chairman to address the needs of the people of the community, especially infrastructural facilities.
Also speaking, the Bobasuwa of Remo land, Chief Oladele Omoda, said Irawe is an important town in Yoruba land, especially the Remo extraction, as a custodian of ancient Yoruba deities.
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