Traditional rulers under the aegis of Yoruba Obas Forum have insisted on the constitutional role through the amendment of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The amendment which would have been carried out in the 9th Assembly was said to be truncated by the Senators from the South South and South East regions.
This was disclosed by the former Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Kola Balogun while conveying the message of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Lekan Balogun to the visiting executive members of the Forum led by its National President, Molokun of Atijele, Oba Samuel Adeoye in Ibadan on Sunday.
Members of the Forum notified Olubadan of its meeting which which is scheduled for Kakanfo inn, and therefore, solicited his support in selling the idea to other Yoruba-speaking Obas across the length and breadth of the Country.
Balogun who described the formation of the Forum as a welcome development expressed hope that it would not go the way of the other one formed in 1944.
He said the traditional rulers have a critical role to play in the socio-economic growth and the security of the country, noting their proximity to the people at the grassroots.
The monarch said their responsibilities would be made easier if they are constitutionally empowered to do so.
According to him, “as a member (Senator Kola Balogun) of the 9th Assembly, we jump-started the process but it was aborted as senators from the South-South and South-East refused to support the idea.
“They are of the opinion that traditional rulers would use it as political weapons for their personal benefits.
“My appeal to members of the Forum is not to let go of the struggle. They should use their position to lobby the Federal government through the lawmakers from their senatorial districts and members of the House of Representatives.
“All the issues of non-recognition of traditional rulers by their various subjects will be addressed if the traditional rulers are assigned a constitutional role.”
Speaking in the same vein, the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade said Kabiyesi has instructed him that the Forum should look into the issue of disrespect to the traditional rulers and political leaders from the people from the region.
According to him, “traditional rulers from other regions are well-referenced, unlike their counterparts from the South-West.
“This has to stop. There must be stiffer penalties for whoever is involved in the dastardly act.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin thanked the organiser for the choice of Ibadanland as a venue for the meeting.
He said the formation of the Forum has further enlivened the hope of traditional rulers
In his address, the National President of the Forum, Oba Adeoye said the Forum was established to champion the course of the Yoruba Obas as well as the region.
He said the Forum as part of its agenda has been able to wade into crisis among some Obas in the land.
He, however, stated that the Forum would need the support of Olubadan to lobby other highly rated Obas to buy into their vision.
Members of the Forum include; Oba AbdukRasq Adebayo, Oba Ganiyu Aderibigbe, Oba Dr. Michael Ajayi, Oba Dr. Abodunrin Kofoworola and Oba Adeoye Gbenga Tunji.
Others were Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, Oba Jacob Dairo and Oba Olumiyiwa Ogunbekun.
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