The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, has advised the federal government to enact law to make traditional rulers relevant and regain their lost dignity.
Olubadan made this assertion while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, at his palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, the monarch, who spoke through the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, noted that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been in a good and relationship since time immemorial.
The traditional ruler said that traditional rulers are the closest to the people, hence the need for the federal government to enact laws that will make them regain their pride of place.
“The people of Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been having good, mutual and beneficial relationship as the two cities were established by warriors.
“I know that traditional rulers have roles to play in the society, even before the colonial era. I will ensure that there is unity, cooperation and preservation of our cultural values among the traditional rulers in the state.
“I want the federal government to enact laws that will allow traditional rulers relevant and regain their lost glory in the country. Traditional rulers are the closest to the people.”
In his remarks, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, appreciated God for the continued mutual relationship between the two ancient cities.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return the respect, value and dignity of traditional rulers as witnessed before colonisation.
Earlier in his address, the Soun of Ogbomosoland said that the visit became necessary in view of his commitment to ensuring unity among the traditional rulers in the state and South West in general.
Oba Olaoye said: “I want to thank the Olubadan for the reception. I was in the UK when he was coronated. I said that there is need for me to congratulate him after I came back to Nigeria.
“Secondly, because I was born and bred in Ibadan, schooled and worked in Ibadan City, I am part and parcel of Ibadan tradition and culture. As a child then, I looked at the Olubadan and the throne from afar with respect, and I thank God that I am sitting beside one and the throne today.”
Others who joined the Olubadan in receiving the Soun and his entourage included the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, High Chief, Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin and Ekaarun Balogun, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Soun was accompanied by Aare Ago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief S.S. Otolorin; Ikolaba, High Chief Adeniran Ojo; Aare Alaasa, Chief Joseph Oyedele and Abese, Alhaji Gazali Oladipo Yusuf.
