The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has urged politicians to set aside primordial sentiments and work together to address Nigeria’s challenges.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary on October 1, the monarch said national development depended on justice, integrity, responsibility, and commitment to public service.
He called on politicians to “close ranks, brainstorm logically, and develop a coherent understanding of the issues confronting the country’s state-building process.”
Owoade said Nigeria’s diverse peoples had been brought together through the 1914 amalgamation and that unity required sustained effort and cooperation.
He also called for greater recognition of traditional institutions, saying traditional rulers could contribute to governance as community mobilisers, advisers, mediators, and custodians of culture.
“The traditional institutions, which are among the remaining links to our pre-colonial political system, should be preserved, promoted, and strengthened through constitutional recognition,” he said.
The Alaafin said traditional rulers had experienced changing levels of influence throughout Nigeria’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence history. Before colonial rule, he said, they played central roles in the political, social, and economic life of their communities.
He argued that traditional rulers could support democratic and development programmes because of their close ties with local communities.
Owoade also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to rebuild the country, saying Nigeria’s challenges could be overcome if citizens and leaders worked together.
Packaged by Dare Raji
