A frontline traditional ruler in Kwara State, Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede, has renewed the calls for a constitutional role for traditional rulers in the country.
The monarch who spoke with LEADERSHIP during an interview, urged the government to empower traditional rulers constitutionally to enable them perform certain roles geared towards the development of the society.
Oba Oloyede, who is the chairman, Isin local government traditional rulers’ council said that: “As long as there’s peace in grassroots areas there will be peace in the state capitals and other Nigerian cities”.
He said that such issues like family matters, marriage, divorce and land matters should be allowed to be handled by the traditional rulers instead of approaching courts.
“That was the situation even during the colonial regimes. Even in matters concerning religion. Traditional rulers were consulted on such issues before formulating policies.
“Traditional rulers are in the grassroots. We’re the ones God is using to curb security challenges in our different localities. As long as there’s peace in grassroots areas there will be peace in the state capitals and cities.
Oba Oloyede, who commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for equipping health facilities, constructing and renovating schools, payment of workers’ salary, and promotion of traditional rulers’ welfare in the Isanlu Isin community, called on the government to help tar some of the roads in the area to encourage agricultural practice, tourism and improve socio-economic status of the area and the state in particular.
The traditional ruler said that his reign has brought about infrastructural development and growth to the community since he was installed in 2009.
He also appealed to political class in the country, especially in the Yoruba speaking communities to allow peace reign after the 2023 general elections.
