By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, has urged the six Southwest governors to give security votes to monarchs, to help fight insecurity.
He said the need was imperative to help tackle the hydra-headed issues of kidnapping, banditry and other crimes, adding that traditional rulers were closer to the grassroots and privy to the intelligence needed to tackle crimes.
The monarch, whose tenure ends on Saturday, spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while delivering his valedictory speech as the chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers.
Oba Alabi underscored the importance of traditional rulers in the sustenance of peace, security and development, advising government at all levels to synergise with monarchs in ensuring maximum security of lives and property.
“In this era of plethora of security challenges, government should empower traditional rulers to mitigate the problem of insecurity throughout Nigeria since they are very close to the grassroots. By so doing, our country will be a better place,” he said.
Giving his account of stewardship, the outgoing chairman said the institution under him witnessed geometric growth, with security and welfare of members as priority.
He said the council was given a voice on government’s policies.
Disclosing his inputs and contributions leading to formation of Amotekun corps, Oba Alabi stressed the need for Southwest governors to equip the network with modern day equipment in policing the area.
He thanked Governor Kayode Fayemi for the confidence he reposed in him to lead the traditional council and the respect his government gave to the council.
“The government has listened to our demands. Our welfare has improved in the areas of finance, comfort and upgrading of communities that became autonomous with their kings installed by the government.
“My tenure recorded the elevation of monarchs to higher grades. Some were elevated to first-class grade and they are doing well as permanent members of the state Traditional Council.”
“For the first time in the history of Ekiti State, the foundation of modern chamber for traditional rulers was laid two months after my assumption of office as the council chairman. The office buildings are now in the final stages of completion by the contractor. These modern chambers include big and befitting hall for traditional rulers’ meetings, conference rooms, offices and other facilities for our monarchs and supporting workers of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs. This is unprecedented and it is a legacy project for my tenure, which will stand the test of time,” the monarch said.
Hailing his colleagues for their understanding and support in the last two years, Oba Alabi emphasised the need for them to render support and advise the government towards delivering its mandates to the people.
According to him, “it must be noted that the traditional institution is not a labour union, it is not an association for a few. During my tenure, monarchs expressed themselves freely during statutory meetings without inhibition or encumbrances, which contributed to my success as the chairman.”
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