He gave this assurance in Owu-Isin when he presented the staff of office to five fourth-class traditional rulers in Isin and Irepodun Local Government Areas.

Ahmed, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Kisira, also promised that his government would provide an enabling environment for traditional rulers to perform their roles.

"I want to assure the royal fathers, as I did in my maiden meeting with them after my assumption of office, that we shall not renege on our promise to improve on their welfare."

Ahmed, nonetheless, advised the traditional rulers to use their good offices to promote peace and rapid socio-economic development in their various domains.

"I implore you to be partners in progress with this administration, in order to bring the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of your people," he said.

The governor described traditional rulers as the custodians of the people's tradition and customs, urging the newly graded traditional rulers to view their grading as a challenge to provide excellent service delivery to the people.

Ahmed urged them to support the government in efforts to combat societal ills such as armed robbery, cultism, drug addiction and other anti-social behaviours.

Earlier, Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, urged the newly graded traditional rulers to see their elevation as a call to contribute their quota to the areas' development.

The newly graded traditional rulers include Oba Babatunde Aboyeji, the Olusin of Iji-Isin and Oba Oyinloye Ewedunmoye I, the Onigbesi of Igbesi, both from Isin Local Government Area.

Others are Oba Olabanji Erinfolami I, the Onipetu of Ipetu-Igbomina, Oba Oriola Ilufemiloye III, the Oloyoipo of Eggi Oyo-Ipo and Oba Ezekiel Adeoye, the Onirore of Rore; all from Irepodun Local Government Area.