Traditional rulers in Lagos State have been urged to work towards fostering communal peace and economic development in their domains.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs Wale Ahmed spoke at a retreat organised by the ministry for traditional rulers in Victoria Island.

According to Ahmed, traditional rulers in Lagos had continued to be development catalysts and respected agents of mobilisation for policy implementation, monitoring and review of policy options.

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He said: “Your roles, which go beyond being custodian of our tradition and culture, can never be overlooked in the scheme of things, in a state like ours where peaceful co-existence is paramount to its economic progress.

“Conflict resolution is a long-standing traditional engagement of our royal fathers; this has been passed from generation to generation, and effectively replicated in our contemporary society.

“This role has contributed in no small measure to the peaceful co-existence among people of different backgrounds and beliefs in our state, resulting in remarkable economic progress. We thank you for this, but still request that you do more, especially at this period of challenges and unprovoked aggression among people.”

Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu hailed the government for prioritising the intellectual empowerment of traditional rulers.

He this implored traditional rulers to continue to commit themselves to communal peace in their domains.