The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hammed Aroyewun, has advocated constitutional empowerment for traditional rulers, saying they should play a more prominent role in governance and community development.
Aroyewun made the call on Sunday during the traditional prayer programme of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali.
According to him, although traditional rulers remain central to grassroots development, they have largely been reduced to ceremonial figures under the current constitutional arrangement.
He said, “I am an advocate of giving our traditional rulers a significant role in the development and decision-making of our society, the way it was before. You can see that Kabiyesi is more like a ceremonial head, unlike before.”
“There is a need to really empower them because there is no development that they are not part of, but constitutionally, they are not part of it.”
Commending the monarch, Aroyewun said Oba Kasali had preserved the kingdom’s cultural heritage and revived neglected traditions.
“Kabiyesi has indeed protected the culture, tradition and our heritage. There is no tradition in this kingdom, even those that were abandoned, he has awakened them to bring peace, tranquillity, and development to Igbogbo Kingdom and its people,” he added.
Also speaking, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adebimpe Akinsola, urged governments to strengthen traditional institutions, describing them as the closest authorities to the grassroots.
She also praised Oba Kasali’s leadership, describing him as “an educated king, civilised, loving and humble,” adding that the kingdom had witnessed tremendous progress since his ascension to the throne.
She said, “In…
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