By Dare Akogun
The Kwara Government has presented letters of appointment to four traditional rulers from Irepodun, Ekiti and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the state.
They are Aala of Ilala, Oba Fatai Oladega Talabi as 3rd Class Chief (Irepodun LGA); Alara of Isere-Opin, Oba Owolabi Kayode Micheal as 3rd Class Chief (Ekiti); Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Oluwagbenga Adefioye Adeyeye as 4th Class (Ekiti); and Olu of Apakere, Oba Isiaka Ismail Oderinde as 4th Class Chief from Ifelodun local government area.
A statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Cheiftancy Affairs and Community Development, Mr Oba Azeez, said the action is in line with the state’s Traditional Chiefs Appointment and Deposition Law.
According to the statement, the appointments followed the death of the previous occupiers of the royal offices.
The state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Mr Lafia Kora-Sabi, said they were appointed based on the respect Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq accord to the traditional institution in the state.
The commisioner described traditional rulers as custodians of people’s culture and important stakeholders in the affairs of security and peacekeeping.
“AbdulRazaq has always accorded due recognition, respect and support to the traditional rulers since the inception of his administration.
Today’s event is typical of such and worth commending.
“We have a Governor that ensures the welfare of our royal fathers is attended to for their maximum comfort, and this I believe has greatly assisted them in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities,” said the commissioner.
Kora-Sabi enjoined the traditional rulers to close rank with all and sundry in order to ensure peace and tranquility in their domains and the state at large.
The commissioner congratulated them on their appointments, praying God to make their reign peaceful and impactful.
The ceremony was attended by some government officials, APC party stalwarts and leaders, family members, including the state APC Chairman, Mr Sunday Fagbemi.
Also in attendance were members representing Ekiti and Irepodun Local Government Areas at the state House of Assembly; Messrs Abolarin Gabriel and Felix Awodiji, as well as the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Alabere.
Alabere, on his part, described the programme as a further demonstration of policy thrust of AbdulRazaq on sustainability of customs and tradition in the selection of vacant stools.
Fagbemi similarly charged the newly appointed traditional rulers to be magnanimous in their victory by carrying the people of their communities along in the scheme of things.
He also enjoined them to support government policies and programmes, and strive hard for peace, progress and development of their respective communities.
Respinding on behalf of his colleagues, the Aala of Ilala, Oba Fatai Oladega Talabi, appreciated the government and the people of their communities for the confidence reposed in them.
Talabi promised to work for the peace and economic development of their neighborhoods.
He also solicited for the support and cooperation of their people to enable them achieve desired objectives.
