From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin have made case for constitutional roles for the traditional rulers in the country.
The duo spoke at the maiden zonal assembly of the Network of Kings from Osun Countryside held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife on Sunday.
Oyinlola said the call becomes expedient considering the responsibilities attached to the throne in Yoruba land, adding that the roles of traditional rulers should not end at the palace or his domain alone.
Specifically, Oyinlola said the traditional rulers should be assigned roles to play in the constitution, saying the traditional rulers should not just be left to their various palaces to settle disputes.
Besides, he called on the government to ensure spread of infrastructure to the rural areas rather than concentrating amenities in the urban centres.
Also, the former Governor stressed the need to review the current obaship enthronement process in Yoruba land, saying this, will prevent undesirable characters from ascending the throne.
He said “The kind of traditional rulers we have will determine the kind of society we have. Obas must be promoters of justice, equity and development. Our traditional rulers should be advocate of peace and development.”
“We need good people on the throne in Yoruba land. Growth and progress of Yoruba land is tied to how the towns are ruled. Lack of constitutional authority for our traditional rulers is unfortunate and this needs to be addressed because government always run to the palaces for support. However, the traditional rulers must be careful and be protective of his name,” Oyinlola added.
Describing traditional rulers as beings next to God, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin urged the traditional rulers in Yoruba land to promote the culture and traditions of their people and give values to their position.
He said the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should guide the traditional rulers in the discharge of their duties in their various domains.
The Eburu of Iba who is the chairman, Board of Trustees of the network, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 called for the involvement of traditional rulers in policies that affect their domains.
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