- The traditional institution is an integral part of government and closest to the grassroots
- Create the old Western Region’s style, House of Chiefs with First class monarchs serving as Ministers without specified portfolios
The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has extended an appeal to the President, Bola Tinubu, to consider the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.
Oba Akanbi believes that the inclusion of traditional rulers in governance through a dedicated ministry and constitutional empowerment could be a viable approach to resolving many of the country’s problems, particularly those related to security.
The monarch expressed his advocacy in a press release, delivered by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, to members of the media.
Highlighting the significance of traditional rulers in delivering quality governance, Oba Akanbi encouraged the federal government to learn from the governance model of the old Western region, where a Western House of Chiefs was formed with First class monarchs serving as Ministers without specified portfolios.
The Oluwo underscored the significant contributions made by these appointed monarchs to the success of the administration.
Oba Akanbi also proposed that the role of Minister for the new ministry should be filled by a monarch and should rotate amongst the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“The traditional institution is an integral part of government and closest to the grassroots. The traditional rulers dedicate themselves to serving their subjects. We play a pivotal role in securing our respective domains and ensuring peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The creation of a dedicated ministry, he explained, would provide a constitutional role for the traditional institution, promote the involvement of monarchs in democracy, assure them of their importance, and strengthen grassroots mobilization and participation in the democratic process.
“The government of the old western region involved traditional rulers effectively. The first class amongst us were appointed as Ministers without portfolios. The throne of Oluwo was one,” he reminded.
Oba Akanbi urged the government to reflect on his suggestion as a means to effect change in Nigeria’s democratic system.
SOURCE: Champion Newspapers
IMAGE: PM Parrot
