Date: 2018-07-30

The Kwara State Government on Monday presented staffs of office to three newly upgraded monarchs with a promise to accord more recognitions to traditional institutions in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monarchs were those affected by the recent government upgrading to third class status from Kwara South Senatorial District of the State.

The affected Monarchs, who were also presented with certificates, are Oba Victor Olawuyi, the Oloko of Oko, Oba Abdulwahab Adeyemi, Aala of Ilala and Oba Abdulfatah Jimoh, Eleju of Igbonla.

Elder Peter Kisra, the State Deputy Governor, at the presentation at the Irepodun LGA Secretariat in Omu-Aran, described the monarchs as formidable partners in grassroots development.

He reiterated the government's abiding faith in the state traditional institution toward accelerating socio-economic development in their various communities.

Kisra called on the traditional rulers to work harmoniously with their subjects in aligning with government's efforts aimed at transforming the grassroots.

"I wish to reiterate the state government's abiding faith in the traditional institution as a veritable vehicle for growth, progress and development of the state,'' he said.

Alhaji Saidu Abeeb, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in a remark, said the presentation was a clear testimony of the state government's respect and regard for traditional institutions.

Abeeb urged the newly upgraded monarchs to run an open door administration by according due recognitions and respect to their subjects and people of their respective communities.

Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, Irepodun LGA Chairman, on his part, pledged the readiness of his administration to continue to partner with traditional rulers in moving the council forward.

Oladipo praised the State Gov., Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the council over the upgrading of traditional rulers.

He said the traditional institution remained the most effective organ of mass mobilisation in gathering support for government's policies and programmes, especially at the grassroots.

Oladipo while congratulating the monarchs over their elevation urged them not to relent in justifying the government's gesture.

Oba Adeyemi, the Aala of Ilala, in his response, called for more recognition for traditional rulers toward ensuring the effective and efficient discharge of their responsibilities.

He said the duties of traditional rulers have become compounded as a result of more government's developmental efforts at the grassroots. Adeyemi thanked the council, state government and the people for the confidence reposed in their capabilities.

"Traditional rulers nowadays bear most of the brunt of settling domestic issues, communal crisis and so on.

"It is therefore not out of place if governments can institute a kind of financial remuneration in form of security votes to assist traditional rulers in their assignments. (NAN)