Koro (Kwara) – Oba Peter Aremu, the traditional ruler of Koro in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara,,on Saturday advocated the provision of constitutional role to traditional rulers in the country.
Aremu made the call during his coronation at Koro.
According to the royal father, traditional institutions have come of age and should have statutory roles to fast track desired changes in their communities.
The traditional ruler also said the call for such constitutional responsibility was informed by recent security development in the country.
He said the traditional rulers are always the first point of contact in cases as kidnapping, rape, theft and other acts in the communities.
The monarch noted that such constitutional roles would assist traditional rulers to adjudicate on some civil matters.
This, he noted, became necessary to complement the work of the judiciary in reducing the number of awaiting trials and decongest the prisons.
He decried the situation whereby the traditional rulers, regarded as the closest to the grassroots are not always represented at critical and crucial security meetings.
He therefore, expressed the need for the review of the nation’s constitution to accommodate the required legal framework in giving the such responsibility to the monarchs.
Aremu also used the opportunity to call on the state government to invest massively in mechanised agriculture as a means of addressing youths restiveness and unemployment.
According to him, such measure would also assist in making youth and women to embrace agriculture both as a trade and profession.
He thanked the state government and the people of the community for given him the opportunity to serve the community.
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara in a message, reiterated the commitment of the administration toward sustainable socio-economic development at the grassroots.
Ahmed who was represented by Mr Adeleke Ogungbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Kwara Government House, said the administration would continue to accord traditional institutions the desired respect and recognition.
Mr Ayobola Samuel, the National President, Koro Progressive Union, expressed the need for the people to redouble their contribution towards transforming the community.
He listed some of the community self help projects to include opening of Koro-Egbe, Koro-Eruku roads, establishment and maintenance of the community Primary school.
Others are the construction of a maternity dispensary, construction of community grammar school as well as commencement of the rural electrification project.
Also speaking, the chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area , Mr Joseph Ajayi, urged Oba Aremu to see his appointment as a call to service.
“I believe your exposure and experience in life will help you to carry out your duties with due diligence and fairness.
Mr Musa Idowu, the Chairman of the occasion, urged well meaning individuals and group to contribute generously toward the proposed construction of a befitting palace for the community.
