In a poignant address during the eighth anniversary of the Nigeria Most Influential Awards in Abuja, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II expressed his deep concern over the diminishing powers of traditional rulers in Nigeria.
The revered monarch emphasized the urgent need for a constitutional review to restore and enhance the authority of traditional rulers, lamenting that even local government chairmen wield more influence than monarchs.
Represented by the Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa, Oba Adedire Adewole Solomon, the Ooni underscored the necessity of constitutional amendments to address the existing disparity in authority.
He asserted that it is fundamentally flawed for a local government chairman to hold more sway than a traditional ruler, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating the power dynamics outlined in the constitution.
The Ooni’s representative highlighted the monarch’s call for a constitutional review during engagements with the National Assembly members. He challenged the legislators to consider the grassroots perspective and questioned their connection to their hometowns and villages, emphasizing the significance of proximity to the grassroots for effective leadership.
Furthermore, the Onifegunwa commended the Ooni’s commitment to philanthropy, describing him as a generous giver who consistently supports the underprivileged. The monarch’s dedication to cultural preservation and revival was also lauded, with an acknowledgment of his efforts to ensure that traditional values are not lost despite his youth and extensive education.
In closing, the Ooni’s representative affirmed that the monarch’s simplicity, realism, and grassroots-oriented leadership distinguish him as a leader attuned to the needs of the people. The call for a constitutional review serves as a rallying cry for the empowerment of traditional rulers and a recalibration of their role in the governance structure.
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