President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for the constitutional role of traditional rulers across the country to ensure peace and security in their respective domains.
Speaking during the 70th birthday celebration of Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, held at the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Cathedral Church of St. Stephen in Ondo City, Tinubu, however, noted that the National Assembly was in the best position to work on it.
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Represented by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Tinubu said his administration will continue to give necessary support to all traditional rulers in the country.
Tinubu urged everyone to keep supporting the traditional ruler in ensuring that there was peace and security while the kingdom continued to develop.
He said the Federal Government noted the support Oba Kiladejo lent to agencies, institutions, and government officials about the Oba’s community over the years.
While appreciating the commitment to extending the frontiers of development engagements which were coordinated in the traditional ruler’s domain, and his subjects both at home and abroad in the past years, Tinubu vividly recalled almost two decades ago when the Kabiyesi pulled out of his very successful private medical practice in Lagos.
The president said, “You pulled out to mount the throne of your forefathers, as the Ose awe and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom.
“It is evident that 17 years on, your imperial majesty has filled that expansive office admirable, thus proving that the kingmaker of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of you as the next Osemawe in 2006.
“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community and touch practically all aspects of human endeavour.
“On a personal note, let me, once again, express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February polls, and later, my subsequent inauguration as President.
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“I pray that the years ahead turn out to be much more remarkable, for you, your immediate family, and the good people of Ondo Kingdom, whom you have led so admirably these past 17 years. May your reign continue to be fruitful and prosperous.
“All I can wish is that this should continue and probably get better under the leadership of Kabiyesi as he continues to lead us in the right direction.”
