Make laws to allow traditional rulers regain dignity, Olubadan urges FG

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to make laws to ensure traditional rulers are relevant and regain their lost dignity.

Olubadan made this assertion while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

The monarch, who spoke through the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, noted that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have maintained a good relationship since time immemorial.

The traditional ruler said that traditional rulers are the closest to the people; hence, there is a need for the federal government to enact laws that will help them regain their pride of place.

He said, “The people of Ibadan and Ogbomoso have had a good, mutual, and beneficial relationship as the two cities were established by warriors.

“I know that traditional rulers have roles to play in society, even before the colonial era. I will ensure that there is unity, cooperation, and preservation of our cultural values among the traditional rulers in the state.

“I want the federal government to enact laws that will allow traditional rulers to be relevant and regain their lost glory in the country. Traditional rulers are the closest to the people.”

President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, appreciated God for the continued mutual relationship between the two ancient cities.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return the respect, value, and dignity of traditional rulers, as witnessed before colonisation.

Earlier in his address, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, noted that the visit became necessary in view of his commitment to ensuring unity among the traditional rulers in the state and the South West in general.

He said, “I want to thank the Olubadan for the reception. I was in the UK when he was coronated. I said there was a need for me to congratulate him after I returned to Nigeria.

“Secondly, because I was born and bred in Ibadan, schooled, and worked in Ibadan City, I am part and parcel of Ibadan tradition and culture. As a child then, I looked at the Olubadan and the throne from afar with respect, and I thank God that I am sitting beside one and the throne today.”

Others who joined the Olubadan in receiving the Soun and his entourage include the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, and Ekaarun Balogun, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Soun was accompanied by the Aare Ago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief S.S. Otolorin, Ikolaba, High Chief Adeniran Ojo, Aare Alaasa, Chief Joseph Oyedele, and Abese Alhaji Gazali Oladipo Yusuf.