Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country in view of their contribution to peace building.
Akeredolu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, made the call during the fourth birthday symposium of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
”As a result of the roles traditional rulers play in engendering peace in their various domains, a place should be provided for them in the constitution of the country.
”This will also strengthen the present informal roles of the royal fathers to continue to mobilise their subjects to maintain security,” he said.
The symposium was titled, ‘Addressing Security Challenges As They Affect Grassroots Development in Nigeria: Need for Constitutional Empowerment of Traditional Institutions’.
He continued, “Let me say that in spite of the fact that the 1999 Constitution did not accord our traditional institutions any constitutional function, they have been very effective in the informal sector of our various societies.
“Their effectiveness in this sector could not be eroded as they are highly respected and revered as their words are like laws to their people.
“It is my firm belief that giving them constitutional recognition and authority will empower them with the needed impetus to carry out their hitherto informal roles more effectively and efficiently.
“Despite the fact that Royal Fathers do not have constitutional functions at the moment, traditional rulers in Ondo State have continued to creatively take some salutary steps to stem insecurity in parts of the Sunshine State, and equally get the import of government policies and programmes effectively communicated to the grassroots,” he said.
Akeredolu advised the organisers of the programme to ensure that consensus at the symposium is made available to the National Assembly.