Kwara State committee on upgrade of traditional rulers has recommended upgrade of 59 traditional rulers. The committee was set up by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in December, 2013.

The governor inaugurated the committee following agitations for upgrade by some traditional rulers and communities in the state.

In its report which was presented to the governor, the committee recommended 59 traditional stools for upgrade out of 202 requests it received.

It recommended that 10 third class stools should be upgraded to second class while 19 fourth class stools should be upgraded to third class. It also recommended the upgrade of 30 new traditional stools.

Chairman of the committee, Alh Abdul-Wahab Issa, said population of communities, developmental efforts, historical antecedents, customs, tradition, values and political expe-diency were considered in the course of the work.

Issa noted that upgrading the communities would uplift their spirit and boost their support for government and its activities.

The committee also suggested that the state government should take up the responsibility of paying salaries of all graded chiefs and equally solicited the payment of salaries and allowances of all fourth class chiefs in the state as being done for first, second and third class chiefs.

Receiving the report, the governor commen-ded the committee for doing a thorough job and promised to carefully review the committee's report for prompt implementation.

He said his government views traditional rulers as vital partners in ensuring community development and sustaining peace in the state.