Monarch seeks more governance roles for traditional rulers

THE paramount ruler of Olugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, has advocated more active roles for traditional rulers in governance to enhance the tenets of democracy in the country.

Akinruntan said this at the weekend after being honoured with Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa by Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State during its sixth convocation ceremony, insisting that this will ensure credibility in government.

The traditional institution, Akinruntan said, if properly integrated to the Western-style democracy, will deliver more dividends of democracy to the electorate.

The monarch urged the President, governors and other top government functionaries to always consult traditional rulers, who are closer to the people as custodians of the culture of their communities, before they appoint people into public office.

Akinrutan, who is the paramount ruler of the four kingdoms in Ilaje local council said, “We want to appeal to the President and governors to always consult us before announcing their political appointees because this will allow them to have credible people in their cabinet.

“The political appointees are our subjects and this has given us the privilege to know much about their character, the kind of homes they come from and if they are credible enough to be appointed.”