Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
In its efforts to uplift traditional institution, the Kwara State Government recently upgraded two traditional rulers in Kwara South.
They were Oba John Adegboyega Adeyemi, the Alapa of Omido and Oba Tejumola Iranloye, the Alapa of Agbonda, all in Eku-Apa land, and presented with staff of office as Third Class Obas.
Speaking at the presentation held at the Ire-podun LG Secretariat, Omu-Aran, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji Said Abeeb, described the traditional institution as strong poles of support for government’s grassroots development.
READ ALSO: Lifeline for Plateau kids of crisis victims
He said government would continue to accord recognition to the traditional institution in its quest to bring dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots. He commended the royal fathers for their individual and collective responsibility by mobilising their subjects to participate actively in government’s programmes and activities:
“I wish to reiterate the state government’s abiding faith in the traditional institution as a veritable vehicle for growth, progress and development of the state. The traditional rulers have been a strong pole of support for this administration and we must show our gratitude for their commendable roles.”
Abeeb remarked that the presentation was a clear testimony of government’s respect for the traditional institution. He urged the upgraded monarchs to run an open door administration by according due recognition and respect to their subjects.
Chairman, Irepodun LG, Muyiwa Oladipo, pledged his readiness to continue to partner with traditional rulers. He commended the governor for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people over the upgrading of traditional rulers.
He urged the people of the communities to reciprocate the gesture by imbibing tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence among themselves.
He said the traditional institution remained the most effective organ of mass mobilisation for garnering support for government’s policies and programmes, especially at the grassroots.
In his reaction, Oba Adeyemi thanked the government for the recognition bestowed on the people of the community. He particularly praised the government for yielding to the request of the community over the establishment of a secondary school towards educational development.
READ ALSO: Jonathan and the Chibok girls affair
He used the opportunity to canvass for more constitutional roles for traditional rulers to achieve the desired grassroots development. He appealed for the establishment of more government facilities and institutions to boost trade and commercial activities in the community: “Such establishments were needed to boost socio-economic development and at the same time promote investment opportunities.”
The Asiwaju of Omido, Chief Femi Abogunrin, described the presentation as historic:
“We will forever be grateful to the state government for this hon- our done to the people of Omido community. Our gratitude goes to the dynamic governor for his role in ensuring that the presentation was a reality.”