The Olugbon of Orile Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, has urged Nigerians to coexist peacefully and support government efforts in repositioning the county.
The Olugbon made the call in his congratulatory message to Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
Noteworthy, Nigeria gained its independence from British rule on October 1, 1960.
The statement read: “As we celebrate this milestone, we must reflect on the legacies of our past heroes and their sacrifice for the country. It is more important than ever to work together to reposition the county to reclaim its lost glory. We all have a role to play in this, from traditional rulers to government at all levels and citizens.
“I urge Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s led administration and his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda including the developmental agendas of states and local government. It might be challenging today but in the long run, Nigerians will enjoy the dividends of democracy, considering the effort of the government.”
The monarch also called President Bola Tinubu to devolve more role for traditional institutions in the affairs of the country beyond advisory role in order to engender accelerated development.
“To accelerate the new and better Nigeria that we all want, we must strengthen our traditional institutions. Our advisory role is not enough; President Bola Tinubu should, as a matter of importance, assign an active role to the traditional institution in his government.
“As a strategic stakeholder, we are closer to the people and we know their concerns. For example, the British government did not relegate their monarchical institution to their constitution,” he stated.
In addition, he urged the citizens and the government to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and made-in-Nigeria products to accelerate economic growth and development.
“On another note, we also need to promote our cultural heritage and made-in-Nigeria products. We are great people and blessed as a nation across different ethnic groups with cultural, human, and natural resources. To actualize some of our great potential, we need to continue to live in unity, seek dialogue, and chart a new course for the country,” Olugbon added.
