President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The group has the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. The co-chairmen are Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Douglas Jaja. Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, is the secretary.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, said President Bola Tinubu supported the group, saying, “The President is very supportive of what is happening here today. The President has a tremendous respect for this extraordinary institution. You are the custodian of our culture. You are refined. Every one of us respects you. Nobody can do it without the support of the traditional rulers.
“Nigeria is a great country. We are rich in diversity, culturally and intellectually. With traditional ruler fathers like you, Nigeria will move forward,” Tinubu said.
The event’s chief host and Imo state governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma, called on the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council to meet with their Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria.
Uzodimma said, “On that score, I invite you to support the current federal government led by our president, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not a call for blind support. As most of you do, I know he is working very hard to put Nigeria on the journey of irreversible economic growth and development. For example, the recent move by his government to strengthen the local governments is intended to bring governance closer to the people. As a visionary leader, I foresee a greater involvement of traditional leaders in management shortly.
“As we know, his economic reforms have brought about temporary hardships in the country. But they are like the pangs of labour that disappear as soon as the child is born. Without these reforms, Nigeria would have gone under. But with these reforms, our economic recovery is in sight. Some foreign loans are already being repaid while our external reserve is increasing. President Tinubu has indeed taken deliberate actions that would bring back the economic boom. We need to be patient.
“Again, as you would have observed, the battle has been taken to the doorsteps of the bandits and criminals. The security situation is not as severe as it was a year ago. We have not gotten to where we ought to be, but there are apparent improvements towards our target. I am assured that with your support and cooperation, our president will surely take us to that destination.
“Finally, let me use the opportunity of this important occasion to urge you to do all at your behest to reconcile your differences and love one another genuinely. In the same vein, I charge you to reach out to your counterparts in the northern part of the country and forge a lasting national unity for peace, progress, and development.
This is a task that you, as royal fathers, must accomplish. Nigeria needs your fatherly wisdom to navigate the storms posed by ethnic and religious differences”, Uzodimma said.
On his part, Ogun state governor Dapo Abiodun said, “This event marks the beginning of a unification of a new body to uphold our heritage. We are all one. It is going to strengthen the bond. It is a historic event. The inauguration of this body will enable them to perform a more advisory role in developing this country. We appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma for initiating and coordinating this event for the good of our zone.”
Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed gratitude to Uzodimma for his support, saying, “We appreciate the governor for his focus on looking to unite the Southern protectorate of the country. It started when you were a senator to see how the Southern region could join, and today, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision has been achieved.
He disclosed that the council’s mission was unity, working together in synergy for the peace and harmony of Nigeria and Southern Nigeria.
“From what is here today, Nigeria was first before the Southern region. We can see our Northern brothers who have come to witness what we are doing today. It means we are together. This is the first gathering that is all-encompassing. It has never happened before. Governor Hope Uzodimma has made an indelible remark. We are happy with Uzodimma for what he has done for us. We thank you so much. We are coming together to work for peace in Nigeria and uphold our heritage. We aim to work for a better understanding of southern Nigeria and unity”, Ooni said.
Among the dignitaries that attended the event were the Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni; Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun; and national and Imo state assembly members.