Two newly upgraded traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District were on Wednesday presented with staff of office by the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monarchs were those recently upgraded to third-class status in Kwara South Senatorial District.
The affected monarchs were Oba John Adeyemi, the Alapa of Omido and Oba Tejumola Iranloye, the Alapa of Agbonda, all in Eku-Apa axis of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the presentation held at the Irepodun Council Secretariat in Omu-Aran, the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the traditional institution as strong poles of support for government’s grassroots development.
Ahmed was represented by Alhaji Saidu Abeeb, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development.
He said the government would continue to accord more recognition to the traditional institution in the state in its quest to bring the dividend of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
The governor also reiterated the government’s abiding faith in the traditional institution as vanguard of socio-economic development.
He commended the traditional rulers for their individual and collective responsibility by mobilising their subjects to participate actively in government’s programmes and activities.
Ahmed called on traditional rulers to continue to work harmoniously with their subjects in aligning with government’s efforts aimed at transforming the grassroots.
“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,’’ he said.
Abeeb, in his own remarks, said the presentation was a clear testimony of the state 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.
Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Irepodun Council Chairman, pledged the readiness of his administration to continue to partner with traditional rulers.
Oladipo commended the governor for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the council 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.
Oladipo, who congratulated the monarchs over their upgrading, urged them not to relent in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities.
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 toward educational development.
Adeyemi also used the opportunity to canvass for more constitutional roles for traditional rulers in order 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,” he said.
Chief Femi Abogunrin, the Asiwaju of Omido, on his part, described the presentation as an historical achievement and unprecedented in the community.
“We will forever be grateful to the state government for this honour done to the people of Omido community.
“Our gratitude goes to the dynamic governor of our state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, for his role in ensuring that the presentation becomes a reality,” he said.
