The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has enjoined the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enact laws to make traditional rulers relevant and regain their lost dignity.
Olakulehin made the appeal while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege 111 at his palace in Oke Aremo Ibadan on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by 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.
Others are the 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.
Olakulehin, who spoke through Alli, noted that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been in a good relationship since time immemorial.
He said that traditional rulers are the closest to the people, hence there is a need for the federal government to enact laws that will make them regain their pride of place.
Olakulehin said, “The people of Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been having good, mutual and beneficial relationships, 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”.
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.
Olaoye earlier in his address, noted that the visit became necessary in view of his commitment to ensure unity among the traditional rulers in the State and South West in general.
“I want to thank the Olubadan for the reception. I was in the UK when he was coronated. I said that there was a need for me to congratulate him after I came back to Nigeria,” he said.
