28th February, 2018
A Lagos monarch, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, has called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to enable them contribute effectively to the development of the nation.
Oba Aromire made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the monthly meeting of Lagos Mainland Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday.
He said traditional rulers should be given constitutional role at the third tier of government to enable them work effectively with the people at the local government level.
“It is very important that traditional rulers should have roles in local government administration to work with the community to foster peace and unity,” said the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Land.
Oba Aromire recalled that some royal fathers were members of parliament in the First Republic during which traditional rulers contributed meaningfully to the governance of the country.
“We had real roles back in the past when some traditional rulers were members of parliament, but now the politicians have taken over our respective roles.
“If they want to have election, they come to the traditional rulers to canvass for votes and support from our grassroots people and after the election, we are no more relevant.
“We have a major role to play and so there should be a change in the composition of government to accommodate us as we represent people at the grassroots,” he said
Aromire, who is also Chairman, Lagos Mainland Council of Traditional Rulers, called on politicians to desist from using the youths for criminal activities to achieve their selfish ambition.
He also advised the youths to shun cultism and focus on productive activities for their present and future benefits.