The newly elevated Ajia Balogun Olubadan, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, on Friday urged the federal government to involve traditional rulers in the governance of the country.
Chief Adegoke made the call while speaking with journalists after his elevation from Mogaji to Ajia Balogun in the Olubadan lineage by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, at his Popoyemoja Palace in Ibadan.
Adegoke, who is also the chief financial officer, OES Energy Services, declared that traditional rulers being closer to the people were in the best position to understand their people in addition to knowing their needs.
“Traditional rulers are much closer to the people than local government chairmen. It is very hard to see anyone who will not recognise his monarch, but they may not even their chairman. So, for democracy to thrive, there is need for involvement of traditional rulers in governance,” he said.
In doing this, the Ajia Balogun Olubadan advocated constitutional amendment by the National Assembly to accommodate roles for traditional rulers in governance.
In his remarks, the Olubadan commended the newly elevated chiefs for their contributions to Ibadan land, and charged them not to relent in their commitments and support to Ibadan land through development projects in Ibadan
