Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has assured traditional rulers in the state of a place and huge responsibilities in his government.
Makinde gave this assurance at the 56th birthday ceremony of Oba Francis Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was held at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Oloyo village, Akanran-Ibadan.
The governor, represented by Mr Babatunde Oduyoye, a former House of Representative member, said royal fathers and the traditional institutions had important roles in developing and rebuilding the state.
According to him, traditional institutions and royal fathers are very important and indispensable in the process of rebuilding and repositioning Oyo state.
He said that his administration would accord the royal institution the respect and honour it deserved.
Makinde assured all the monarchs that the traditional institutions would be given their right place in the scheme of things.
“Royal fathers in Oyo State will have a place and a huge responsibility in my government,’’ he stated.
The governor restated that his developmental programmes for the state would focus on four cardinal sectors – education, economy, healthcare and security.
He said that traditional rulers would have major roles to play for the success of these programmes, especially in the area of security.
The governor further noted that traditional rulers were custodians of values and culture, adding that they could help orientate the society and keep it secured.
Makinde said he would be looking forward to consulting with all the royal fathers on how best to realise his dream of making the state one of the safest in the country.
In his goodwill message, former Governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi, advised Gov. Makinde to be firm in ruling the state, saying he should take the state to where it ought to be.
Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadan, congratulated the celebrant who is also the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Traditional Council, on his 56th birthday.
Adetunji said that being alive was not a right but a privilege, adding that it was an opportunity for any human being to be alive.
