Enact laws to allow traditional rulers regain their dignity – Olubadan tells FG

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has called on the Federal Government to enact laws to make traditional rulers relevant and regain their lost dignity.

The monarch made the call while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Olakulehin who spoke through the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Alli, said Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been in a good relationship since time immemorial, stating that traditional rulers are the closest to the people, hence the need for the Federal Government to enact laws that will make them regain their pride of place.

“The people of Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been having good, mutual and beneficial relationship as the two cities were established by warriors.

“I know that traditional rulers have roles to play in the 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 relevant and regain their lost glory in the country. Traditional rulers are the closest to the people”, he said.

The President -General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, in his remarks, appreciated God for the continued mutual relationship between the two ancient cities, appealing to President Bola Tinubu to return the respect, value and dignity of traditional rulers as witnessed before colonialisation.

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

“I want to thank the Olubadan for the reception. I was in the UK when he was coronated. I sai there is a need for me to congratulate him after I came back 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 and Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.

Oba Olaoye was accompanied on the visit by 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.