From Moshood Karim
The Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, has lauded the peaceful conduct of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, which saw incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa triumph over Agoola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking to journalists in his palace, the revered monarch commended the electorate for their orderly participation. “The election process has been peaceful, and reports from various parts of the State indicate that voters conducted themselves responsibly. We recorded a large turnout of people eager to play their part in shaping the leadership of our dear State,” he said.
Reflecting on the historical role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance, Oba Ogunoye expressed concern over their diminished influence in contemporary politics.
He noted that in the First Republic, traditional rulers actively contributed to governance, especially at the local government level, fostering grassroots development and harmony.
“The traditional rulers then were at the helm of affairs locally, and their involvement brought significant successes. The people trusted them and felt connected to governance through their leadership. Unfortunately, since the Second Republic, when the roles of traditional rulers were side-lined, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges. This disconnect has contributed to some of the instability we see today,” he remarked.
The monarch advocated for constitutional amendments to formally recognise and integrate traditional rulers into governance structures, particularly at the grassroots level. He stressed that such inclusion would enhance community engagement, foster peace, and address the myriad challenges facing the country.
“Traditional rulers are the closest to the people and understand their needs better than anyone else. If given a formal role in the political and decision-making processes, we can make a significant impact in addressing the problems of this nation,” Oba Ogunoye emphasised.
He urged the government to consider these proposals seriously, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative governance to achieve sustainable peace and progress in Nigeria.
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