The Onibudo of Aiyetoro-Budo, Ogun State, Oba Adewunmi Adeniji Odutala, has reiterated the need to involve traditional rulers in governance, adding that it was imperative in tackling insecurity.
He urged Federal Government to give monarchs independent power to administer their regions and be accountable to the state governor.
Odutala, who spoke at the weekend during his 3rd coronation anniversary,noted that the position of kings was more than being ceremonial.
He said:”Let the government give us constitutional rule,let us have independent power to manage our individual community and be accountable to the governor directly. The position of a king is much more than being ceremonial; it shouldn’t be a ceremonial thing.”
The monarch urged government not to neglect traditional rulers in policymaking, adding that they were crucial to solving the nation’s insecurity crisis since they are closer to the grassroots.
“It is when the government starts to recognize the importance of traditional rulers before this country would start to know peace. ‘Eti oba Nile,eti oba loko,that means the ears of the king,what ever happens in the community,you have to run to your king before you get to your local government.
“The king is the first person you can run to,so the security problem in Nigeria today escalated because the kings are not recognized. We are not given our rightful position.
“It is during elections that they recognize us, pay homage,do this and that and after elections,they are no more and it is after four years that they come again,” he added.
Also speaking at the Fuji musician, Shefiu Alao Adekunle, described Odutala as a humble and calm personality, adding that they have been friends for over two decades.
The musician, however, appealed to the Ogun State Government to fix the deplorable Aiyetoro Lafenwa Itele-Ota road.
The event was well attended as it attracted kings, captains of industry, entertainers and many others.
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