HIS Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has cleared the air on the appointment of some children of traditional rulers as members of the executive cabinet of Oyo State by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying it was not the first time such a gesture will be undertaken.
Oba Adeyemi made the remark when he led some Obas and Chiefs from different parts of the state on a courtesy call on Governor Ajimobi at the weekend.
He said the idea of ministerial appointment for Obas in order to create rapport between them and the government was initiated by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which came with resounding success.
The Alaafin said Chief Awolowo, the leader of the progressives in Nigeria, once appointed traditional rulers into his cabinet, an act which he said was emulated by the late Chief Bola Ige when he was the governor of old Oyo State.
He stated: “This idea of ministerial appointment for Obas as a means of creating rapport between the executive arm of government and traditional rulership up to cabinet level initiated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo was, I believe, found useful by Chief Bola Ige when he appointed the then Ataoja of Osogbo, the late Oba Oyewale Matanmi and the Eleruwa of Eruwa, the late Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II into his cabinet as commissioners without portfolio.
“I am of the strong opinion that the focus that made the experience succeed before will also ensure its success during your own time too. If anything, the gesture underscores the importance you attach to traditional rulership as the closest to the grassroots since, proverbially and conventionally, an Oba has no key to close his palace gate against his people and day and night, he is accessible to his people until he breathes his last.
“In relation to your appointment of our children- Alaafin, Olubadan and Soun – as commissioners in your cabinet, going down memory lane, Chief Obafemi Awolowo said it was part of his policy of upholding the dignity of rights and privileges of the Oba and Chiefs in Yorubaland.”
The Alaafin assured Senator Ajimobi that the current crop of traditional rulers in the state will not disappoint him. “I want to assure your excellency that the present crop of traditional rulers in the state will not disappoint you, we strive to maintain the dignity of our revered offices as a veritable adjunct of pragmatic governance in Oyo State.”
Responding, Senator Ajimobi appealed to the traditional rulers to support his administration’s resolve to reposition the state, saying, “we’re determined to make this state a pace setter again.”
On the appointment of sons and daughters of the Obas into his cabinet, the governor said all those that made the list merited the appointment in paper, adding that “none of their fathers pleaded that their children be included in our government.”
It is my supplication because they are qualified and the holy books also support it.”
Source: Tribune
