Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State at the weekend identifyed the unquantifiable roles the traditional rulers have to play in the successful 2027 general elections.

The governor detailed the importance of their roles as grassroot influencers, noting that success of the 2027 general elections, like others before now and the yet-to-come would always have the stamp of traditional rulers.

Speaking at the two years coronation anniversary of the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye and the unveiling of his one billion naira palace, AbdulRazaq charged royal fathers and community leaders to continue upholding peace, neutrality and responsible leadership during and beyond political seasons.

Represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, the governor said: “as political parties and their candidates begin to engage communities and present their manifestoes, our traditional institutions must continue to provide fatherly guidance, promote tolerance and encourage peaceful participation in the democratic process.”

He urged: “our royal fathers should remain unifying figures, ensuring that political differences do not become sources of division, hostility or conflict among their subjects,” warning: “we must all remember that political activities are temporary, but our communities and the relationships that bind us together are enduring.

“We have no other state to call our own apart from Kwara State. It is therefore our collective responsibility to protect its peace, preserve its unity and sustain the atmosphere of harmony for which our state is known.

“I urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and democratic responsibility,” he stressed.

He reasoned that the traditional rulers are indispensable partners in governance because of their closeness to the people, their moral authority and their deep understanding of the needs, aspirations and challenges of their respective communities.

“Their contributions to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, security awareness, unity and harmonious coexistence remain essential to the stability and progress of Kwara State, he said.

According to him, the event was not merely about the completion of a magnificent palace, “it is a celebration of visionary leadership, personal sacrifice, cultural preservation and a profound commitment to the development of our communities.

“This gesture is worthy of emulation. It stands as a shining example of how commitment, vision and responsible leadership can contribute to community development.

“This palace will serve as an important centre for traditional administration, cultural preservation, dispute resolution and community engagement.

“It will provide a befitting environment for the discharge of the responsibilities of the traditional institution as Your Majesty continues to serve your people and preside over the Oyun Traditional Council of Chiefs,” he foresaw.

The host, Oba Adesoye, who recalled the process that brought him to the stool in which he sid not enjoy the support of many except the kingmakers and Governor AbdulRazaq who insisted on his emergence, was elated to inform the gathering that he now enjoy their entire support and friendship.

He said the experience reinforces his belief that cooperation is the most effective way to resolve disputes and achieve progress that benefits everyone.

“As John F. Kennedy once observed, human problems are created by human beings and can therefore be solved by human beings.

“We must be willing to engage one another, resolve our differences and work towards peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

According to him: “Kwara State is known as the State of Harmony. We must live up to that reputation by rejecting needless conflict and embracing cooperation with our neighbours.

“I am committed to working with all communities around Erin-Ile to promote peace, development and mutual understanding,” he said.

Hon. Tajudeen Olabisi Abioye the Atayeshe of Erin-Ile, remarked that traditionally, the construction of a palace would involve contributions from members of the community, “but our monarch personally spearheaded the project, contributing almost 99 per cent of the effort and resources, while the rest of us played supporting roles.

“He conceived the idea, developed the master plan and personally supervised the construction of this great edifice. Today, we have a beautiful palace that we can proudly showcase not only in Kwara State but across Nigeria.

“We are grateful to Almighty Allah for making this achievement possible. Since ascending the throne, our monarch has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace. He made it clear from the outset that his priority was to promote peaceful coexistence, recognising that conflicts cannot resolve our differences.

“What we need, particularly in our relationship with neighbouring communities, is peace and mutual understanding. The progress we are witnessing today speaks to that commitment,” he pointed.