The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DAKA Foundation, Chief (Dr) Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu popularly known as KSO has urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to give constitutional roles to the traditional rulers as a way of reducing insecurity to the barest minimal or outright eradication, saying they are more closer to the people.
Abidikugu stated this while speaking with journalists at Olubadan’s Palace shortly after he and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Victoria Olasupo Abidikugu, were conferred with honorary titles of Agba-Akin Bobajiro and Yeye Agba-Akin Bobajiro of Ibadanland by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I) on Saturday.
Agba-Akin Bobajiro used the occasion to thank Olubadan and Olubadan-in-Council for deem it fit to honour him and his wife with the honourary chieftaincy titles.
He equally thank those who graced the occasion such as Chief (Barr) Muyiwa Makinde, Aare-Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland; Prince Kola Adewusi, Deputy Governor Osun State; His Excellency Alhaji Gbolarunmi Azeem- former Deputh Gov Oyo state; Professor Wale Oladipo former acting National sec PDP and Mr Emmanuel Alawode, Executive Chairman Ibadan South East Local Goverment.
Iba Nureni Akanbi; Engr Akeem Olatunji- Executive chairman Oluyole Local Government ably represented by His wife, Alhaja Olatunji; Dr Kayode Adaramodu- former Regional Manager Guaranty Trust Bank; Alhaji Inakoju Former House of Assembly member and Arc Bayo Ajisafe- chairman Lemasik Hotels Oyo.
Others are Engineer Sulaimon Adesina (Ibadan South East PDP Chairman); Chief Kamoru Raimi (Surveyor General); Cheif Remi Popoola (Former chairman Ibadan South East); Engr Akinsola; Mr Laide Ali; Alhaji okanlawon Elele and others.
Agba-Akin Bobajiro continued that security is the backbone of any society, which is tied to its social, political, economic and cultural growth.
Abidikugu, who is UK based Psychiatric Consultant said there is the need for the government to involve traditional rulers in governance particularly on the security issue because they are closer to the people.
He called for constitutional amendment by the National Assembly to accommodate such roles for traditional rulers in governance, adding that security is germane to the peaceful coexistence of any community and national development.
He maintained that it is high time for the government to take security issues more seriously by delegating constitutional roles to traditional rulers.
This according to him, would afford them to have first hands information on security issues in their various communities and as such, they would know how to address any security challenge that may arise from their domains.
Abidikugu, who was recognised by Olubadan for his contributions to the development and growth of Ibadanland noted that to reduce insecurity to the barest minimal there should be responsibility for traditional rulers across the board, which should be spelt out constitutionally.
According to him, inadequacy of this vital ingredient of development has led to all manner of social ills, including violent crimes such as armed robbery, ritual killings, child trafficking and other crimes.
Agba-Akin Bobajiro said the government on its part should make traditional rulers more responsible constitutionally to their domain, in order to reduce social vices to the barest minimal.
According to him, “Traditional rulers are closer to the people than even local government chairmen. It is very hard to see anyone who will not recognise their monarch but they may not even know their local government chairman.
“Therefore, for democracy to thrive, there is the need for the involvement of traditional rulers in governance constitutionally particularly in the area of security”.
