A former governor of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and a Frontline traditional ruler in Osun, Orangun of Oke- Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin on Sunday ,pleaded that, traditional rulers should be assigned roles to play in the constitution for peace promotion and stability of justices in their different domains.
The duo made the remark at the maiden zonal assembly of the Network of Kings from Osun Countryside held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); ile-ife noted that the lack of constitutional authority for traditional rulers is unfortunate, saying this needs to be addressed because government always run to the palaces for support.
Oyinlola said the call becomes expedient considering the responsibilities attached to the throne in Yoruba land and that the roles of traditional rulers should not end at the palace or his domain alone.
The former governor however called for
review of the current obaship enthronement process in Yoruba land, saying this, will prevent undesirable characters from ascending the throne.
He argued that “The kind of traditional rulers we have will determine the kind of society we have. Obas must be promoters of justice, equity, and development. Our traditional rulers should be advocates of peace and development.”
“We need good people on the throne in Yoruba land. The growth and progress of Yoruba land are tied to how the towns are ruled. The lack of constitutional authority for our traditional rulers is unfortunate, and this needs to be addressed because the government always runs to the palaces for support.”
The former state governor further called on the government to ensure the spread of infrastructure to the rural areas rather than concentrating amenities in the urban centers.
“The traditional rulers must be careful and be protective of his name,” Oyinlola added.
In his own assertion at the event, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin, emphasized that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should guide the traditional rulers in the discharge of their duties in their various domains.
He, however, urged the traditional rulers in Yoruba land to promote the culture and traditions of their people and give value to their positions.
The Eburu of Iba, who is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the network, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11, called for the involvement of traditional rulers in policies that affect their domains.
Also speaking, Former Special Adviser to former President Mohammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu has advised traditional rulers in Yorubaland to take control of their domains to checkmate insecurities.
Ojudu observed that the country is in serious crisis as a result of the current situation and charged traditional rulers to always be on alert to ensure harmony reigns in their respective domains.
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