By Henry Umahi
Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage was displayed the other day when traditional rulers from the Southern part of Nigeria converged on Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Their mission was to unite in the interest of their various areas and the country in general.
That day, the royal fathers made profound fashion statements with their striking regalia. Apart from their beautiful native attires made from rare materials, the bespoke royal beads of different colours, shapes and designs on their necks and hands showed style and class.
Some wore beaded crowns, coral and Ivory beads, others embraced hand bangles. They were those who moved with royal staff or walking stick. Indeed, they painted Imo in bright colours.
At the event, which was the formal inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State charged the traditional rulers from the Southern part of Nigeria to be on the same page of peace and progress.
Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour, said: “Nigeria will never go down with the support of traditional rulers.” He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
According to Tinubu, “with the collective support of Southern and Northern traditional rulers, Nigeria will never go down because Nigeria is a great nation, a rich country that is naturally gifted and endowed.”
Expressing the importance of the paramount rulers as custodians of culture and tradition in the country, he said that no nation can do without their advice and guidance.
While commending Uzodimma for his unbounded thoughtfulness to coordinate the traditional rulers, Tinubu said: “With unity there is nothing Nigeria cannot achieve because Nigeria is a rich country.”
Uzodimma, who played a perfect host, disclosed that the constitution of the Council was a journey that started in 2013 with the aim of forming synergy that will foster common ideas like their counterparts from the North. He remarked that the synergy was most needed now that the country is in search of peace, unity and inclusiveness.
Uzodimma volunteered that the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council will be used to “rally support and promote our culture and traditional heritage.” He said that the inauguration will close the deep difference in the Niger or better still, help in the much talked about exchange of hands across the Niger.
“It (the Council) will enhance the unity of the Southern and Northern Traditional Rulers, to speak with one voice and close the gap always noticed in culture, tradition and ethnic suspicion,” Uzodimma stated.
He said that given their status and position, they should ‘’preach peace, work peace and practice peace’’ in their areas as well as “maintain harmonious relationship between the South and the North.”
Uzodimma urged them to speak with one voice on issues of nation building, shun partisan politics as doing so will erode their credibility. He regretted that the involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics often leads to government taking drastic measures against the traditional institutions.
Uzodimma, who enjoined the the traditional rulers to team up with the government of the day to bring peace, unity, growth and development to their communities, states and nation at large, charged them to reside in their domain as that would have positive impacts.
“When you live in your community, your presence will stem off banditry, kidnapping, and other vices,” he posited.
Uzodimma talked about the need for the monarchs to take their succession plan seriously as doing so will make succession in their communities crisis-free.
Maintaining that “Tinubu will take us to the destination,” Uzodimma urged the traditional rulers and their subjects to be a little more patient as the pains they are going through will soon be a thing of the past.
In his address, Abiodun, who is the chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, heaped praises on Uzodimma for successfully coordinating and hosting the event.
Abiodun said: “It is going to strengthen the bond between traditional rulers and the government,” adding that it is a viable platform through which the traditional rulers can perform their advisory role to government, enhance community engagement and pave the way for a peaceful Nigeria.
“They can help prevent commotion by enhancing harmony as they will close the gap between the governments and governed,” he said.
He promised, on behalf of the southern governors, to support the traditional rulers to mobilise their community towards growth and development and reminded them to stay away from politics.
He added that “Tinubu has remained committed to the welfare and betterment of Nigerians and requires only the support of Nigerians to achieve his planned goals.”
In his welcome remarks, the chairman Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, who is also the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwuisi, Ojaja II, said that the dream and vision of Uzodimma has been achieved and thanked him on behalf of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers for the inauguration.
According to the Ooni, the mission statement of the Council is “to work in synergy, for peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the southern traditional institution,” while the aim of the body is “the creation of a Southern Traditional Rulers Council to work for better understanding and respect for our diverse culture in Southern Nigeria.”
In capsule form, the Ooni said both the motto (togetherness, strength and progress), mission statement and the aim are embedded in “unity to achieve a better country, to work together as a country and make Nigeria better and prosperous because Traditional Rulers are closer to the people and should take responsibilities in what is happening around them and not necessarily political leaders.”
One of the highpoints of the event was the inauguration of the technical committee members of the body by Akume, Uzodimma and Abiodun.
In attendance were the governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai Mala Bunni; members of the National Assembly (NASS), members of the Imo State House of Assembly, captains of industry, professionals and traditional rulers, among others.