THE Chieftaincy Review Committee (CRC) set up by Governor Dapo Abiodun to review the appointments of 75 coronet Obas in Ogun State by the immediate past governor, Ibikunle Amosun, hours to his exit from office, on May 28, has submitted its report, on Friday, recommending that the affected monarchs revert to their previous positions as Baales (minor chiefs).
The committee noted, that, some of the coronet Obas were upgraded contrary to due process. They were allegedly promoted from the lower rank of Baale to coronet Oba by Amosun’s administration without the knowledge of their respective prescribed authorities.
Speaking while presenting the report to Governor Abiodun in his Oke – Mosan Governor office, in Abeokuta, the state capital, the Chairman of the Committee, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, regretted that the prestige of the traditional institution had nosedived over the years, and gradually lost its respect due to political interference.
Olugbenle, who doubles as the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, advised politicians to tread with caution when handling issues concerning traditional rulers and the institution as their involvement in traditional matters was gradually weakening and rendering it ineffective.
Olugbenle added that if the affected traditional rulers are to be upgraded to Obas, proper procedures should be followed or adopted.
“It is absurd to see traditional rulers in political robes. As natural rulers, they are to see all the people as their children, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Baales are minor Chiefs. Their upgrade should be recommended by their appointive authorities who are first class obas.
“Some coronets Obas were upgraded without their prescribed authorities’ knowledge and we have recommended that they remain Baales. If they are to be upgraded, the requirements should be followed,” Olugbenle said.
Responding, Abiodun tasked traditional rulers to ensure peace and security to guarantee the safety of lives and property of people in their respective domains.
The Governor said, as natural rulers, they were closer to the people and know the goings – on in their domains.
“We know what your roles in the society. You are not politicians. You know those in yours domains. Please ensure peace and security in your domains,” Governor Abiodun pleaded.
He disclosed that the Chieftaincy disputes were becoming a security challenge that threatens peace in the state, saying that he was confident that the committee had done its best in finding solutions to these lingering issues.
The Governor who made this known in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, commended the Committee for working assiduously towards arriving at workable recommendations.
He assured the committee that government would study, review and come up with appropriate policy decisions that would help reposition and strengthen the traditional institution.
Meanwhile, members of the Ogun State Elders Consultative Forum have applauded Governor Abiodun for setting up Committees to look into various issues affecting the State.
The coordinator of the forum, Taiwo Alimi, who gave the commendation when the forum paid a courtesy call on the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in his office at the Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the committees were necessary to know the problems on the ground with a view to finding solutions to them, as “something cannot be build on nothing”.
He expressed hope that the committees would carry out their assignments diligently and be objective in order to give a workable recommendations to the government.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the forum, Justice Bola Ajibola, Olori Yetunde Gbadebo, said the 135-member Forum is made up of prominent elders, who have made their marks in the service of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
She said members of the forum have dedicated themselves to the service of the State and have carried out some works in the past which they believe would help the present administration achieve its set goals.
Another member of the forum, Prof. Biyi Afonja, urged the Governor to be equitable in the distribution of infrastructure and social amenities to all parts of the state to enable the people feel a sense of belonging.
Responding, the State Governor, Abiodun, said he would tap from the experience of the elder statemen and women in running the affairs of Ogun State.
Prince Abiodun noted that the state was lucky to have such an array of successful elders who have distinguished themselves and done the State proud in their various fields of human endeavours.
He said as a result of their commitment, sacrifice and resourcefulness, other states have become envious of the state, just as their dedication, industry and intergrity as made the State first among equal.
“It is unwise to do away with the wise counsel and wisdom of the elders. We will tap from our referred elders to reposition our economy, education, education and other sectors to the benefit of our people”, Governor Abiodun said. (The Nation)
