Centre committed to growth, community devt, says Osun monarch

Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Okunoye Oyedeji II, on Friday, said the Centre for Rural Affairs and Community Development (CERACODE), would promote research and advocacy for growth and community development.

The traditional ruler, a professor of Business Analytics at the prestigious College of Business Mid West US, said the non-governmental organisation would continue to boost and enhance the desired synergy between professional experience and his role as a traditional ruler.

Oba Oyebanji said traditional rulers must engage in activities that can foster unity and development in their respective communities.

He noted also that CERACODE had, since its inception, organised several international conferences and seminars on topical issues on rural development, even as he said that the NGO had served as one of the INEC election observers in the just-concluded governorship election in Osun State.

“Instead of waiting endlessly for us to play our constitutional roles as monarchs, we can also contribute our quotas by making efforts at deepening democratic process in our respective domains.

“No one can better observe the elections than the traditional rulers who are the conscience of the society.

“Our position as traditional rulers provides opportunities for us to be honest, transparent and unbiased as observers and also to report our observations without fear or intimidation.

“For the just concluded election in Osun, the centre engaged some Obas that also volunteered to serve in 13 LGAs of the state while the professionals served in the remaining local government.

“None of the CERACODE observers was remunerated, but they got the basic flat reimbursement for their training and attendance and I am sure their support really bolstered grassroots’ appeal during the election,” the monarch said.

Eburu, who served as primary observer in Boripe LG, also moved around the state within Osun Central Senatorial District.