Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin 1, has advised the Federal Government to enact laws to make traditional rulers relevant and regain their lost dignity.
Olubadan gave the advice when he received the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, at his palace in Oke Aremo Ibadan.
Oba Olakulehin said 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.
Olubadan spoke through the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief (Senator) Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli. He noted that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have been in a good and beneficial relationship from time immemorial.
Olubadan said: “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.”
President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, appreciated God for the continued mutual relationship between the two ancient cities.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to return the respect, value and dignity of traditional rulers, as witnessed before colonisation.
Earlier in his address, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Olaoye, said the visit was necessary in line with his commitment to ensuring unity among traditional rulers in the state and the 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 is a 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,” Oba Olaoye said.
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; and Ekerin Balogun, High Chief, Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
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.
