Constitutional Role: Tinubu Directs Traditional Rulers To National Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, has advised Traditional Rulers in the country to direct their request for constitutional roles to the National Assembly.

The President, however, expressed support for their desire for such role after an intervention by the National Assembly.

Tinubu also assured the Traditional Rulers of support in their respective domains to ensure peace and security.

The President spoke at the weekend in Ondo town during the 70th birthday celebration of Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, held at the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Cathedral Church of St. Stephen.

Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the last 17 years reign of Oba Koladejo, has been very peaceful.

He commended  the Ondo Monarch for the giant strides recorded in terms of infrastructural and human capital development and urged everyone to keep supporting the traditional ruler in ensuring that there was peace and security while the kingdom continued to develop.

He said the Federal Government noted the support Oba Kiladejo lent to agencies, institutions, and government officials in relation with the Oba’s community over the years.

The President appreciated the commitment to extending the frontiers of development engagements which were coordinated in the traditional rulers domain, and his subjects both at home and abroad in the past years.

Tinubu vividly recalled almost two decades ago when the Kabiyesi pulled out of his very successful private medical practice in Lagos.

“You pulled out to mount the throne of your forefathers, as the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom.

“It is evident that 17 years on, your imperial majesty has filled that expansive office admirable, thus proving that the kingmaker of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of you as the next Osemawe in 2006.

“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community, and touch practically all aspects of human endeavor.

“On a personal note, let me, once again, express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February polls, and later, my subsequent inauguration as President.

“I pray that the years ahead turn out to be much more remarkable, for you, your immediate family, and the good people of Ondo Kingdom, whom you have led so admirably, these past 17 years. May your reign continue to be fruitful and prosperous,” he said.

“All I can wish is that this should continue and probably get better under the leadership of kabiyesi as he continues to lead us in the right direction,” he said.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his congratulatory message, said the Ondo monarch’s counsel to his administration has been found invaluable and development focused.

“It is our earnest prayer that your Majesty will continue to enjoy good health and divine wisdom in providing the much needed leadership for Ondo Kingdom and Ondo State in general.

“It is my great pleasure to join other numerous Nigerians in wishing your Majesty many more years of fruitful service to mankind.”