Date: 2009-06-17

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki has advocated a review of the country’s constitution to specify functional roles for Traditional Rulers for an enhanced national development.

Dr. Saraki stated this in Ilorin on Tuesday at the official commissioning ceremony of Royal Chalets for the First Class Traditional Rulers in the State and presentation of official Mercedez Benz Limousine car to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (CFR), in his capacity as the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs.

The Governor, who explained that Traditional Rulers are the custodians of our culture and tradition, said only a critical review of the constitution would ensure functional roles for the traditional institution so that they can effectively discharge their responsibilities as expected.

He disclosed that since the inception of his administration in the State in 2003, priority attention has been accorded the Royal Fathers to enhance their maximum welfare and keep them at par with their counterparts in other States of the Federation.

In recognition of their stabilizing roles, Dr Saraki said the State Government embarked on grading and up-grading of Traditional Rulers in 2005, adding that the exercise is an on-going process and assured that those who were yet to be considered would soon take their turns.

He also highlighted some of the achievements and benefits of his administration to the monarchs in the State ranging from presentation of Volvo Limousin and Pilot Cars to all First Class Traditional Rulers, comprehensive renovation of their palaces and purchase of generating sets, free medical treatment within and outside the country to upward review of their allowances from 4% - 5% with a view to enhancing their comfort.

Governor Saraki also assured other Traditional Rulers in the Second and Third Class categories that renovation work would soon commence on their palaces while arrangement is in top gear to provide them with befitting cars commensurate with their status

Speaking on the motive behind the construction of the chalets for the monarchs, the governor said it was to aid their access to apartments commensurate with their status while on official engagement in the State Capital.

While congratulating the elated Royal Fathers, he assured them that government will continue to do its best to make them comfortable and enhance their effective performance in their respective domains.

Dr Saraki, however, appealed to the Royal Fathers to put the chalets into good use and ensure prompt maintenance of the structures in order to prolong its life span and retain their aesthetic value.

He also charged them to ensure that communal clashes arising from land and chieftaincy disputes in their domains are curtailed in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere which the State has been enjoying under the present administration.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief James Ayeni (JP) had disclosed that the project was initiated by Dr Saraki’s administration and was awarded in 2007 at a cost of over N2.8Million.

Chief Ayeni further said that the 16 Local Government Councils jointly contributed the sum of over N22Million to cover part of the cost of furnishing the chalets.

A total number of ten 3-bedroom chalets were provided by the State Government for each First Class monarch and a duplex for the Chairman of the Traditional Council.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Sulu Gambari expressed appreciation to Dr Saraki for the kind gesture to the Traditional Rulers, describing him as a good builder.

In the 42 years of the existence of the State, we have never had it so good like this, the Emir said, noting that members of the Traditional Council would never forget his administration in the history of the State.
 

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

17/06/09