Nation Building: Alaafin Advocates Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers

…As Oloba Of Oba Ile Launches Autobiography

By Nafisat Arogundade, Osogbo

A first class traditional ruler in Yorubaland, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to enable them contribute their quota to nation building.

Oba Adeyemi made the call on Thursday in Osogbo, Osun State capital when he joined other monarchs for the public presentation of autobiography of the Oloba of Oba Ile, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi, titled “Running Against Oddities; The Oloba’s Tale of Courage”.

He said that constitutional roles for traditional rulers would enable them to contribute to nation building and promote peaceful co-existence in the country.

The roles of traditional rulers in the administration of the country according to Alaafin of Oyo needs to improve, calling for a constitutional roles.

The Alaafin, who’s the Chairman of the event, said the administration of towns and cities starts with the local traditional rulers as there are the closest people to the grassroots.

Oba Adeyemi said the 1999 constitution was drafted by the military men and so have no role for the traditional Institutions, stating that it was not like that before.

The Monarch said, “the roles of traditional rulers in the administration of their areas from the local government to the state, to federal cannot be underestimated, because they are the nearest to the grassroots. By the tradition and culture, they have involved in the system of administration in the past.

“During the time of Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region, he told the traditional council that they have roles to play and any attempt to whittle down their power will lead to chaos. This is what is haunting Nigeria today, especially the Yoruba land.

“Obas are called upon when there is crisis, because they know Obas know more that the security agents. So, my advice is that the government should have a rethink and create roles for Traditional Rulers in the administration of the country.”

The Guest Lecturer, Chief Bode Adedeji in his address titled Traditional Rulers and Their Roles in Community Development, called on youths to take leadership of the country, stating that the future belongs to the young persons.

The business guru while cautioning the government on excessive borrowing, said the problem of the country is “majorly leadership”. He said excessive borrowing from foreign countries is a burden for the future generations.

Present at the events were royal fathers, top politicians, associates of Oloba, students, among others.