Date: 2018-11-30

Reminiscent of the historic day of ascension to the thrones of their forebears, 49 royal fathers in Kwara State received their official letters of elevation at the behest of the state government in Ilorin at the weekend. AHMED 'LATEEF reports on the brief but ceremonious like event.

For many years now, the actual role of traditional institution in the day to day running of government has become a subject of discourse at different fora. The debate over what role should the institution assume is not unconnected to the reception and open arms with which the white colonialists were welcomed into Nigerian soil.

The reception accorded them also provided a leeway for them to foist their culture, tradition, if exist at all, and their ways of life on the host. Introduction of their styles and ways was all they needed to change the traditional and cultural belief of the host, the development, which has continued to haunt over the years.

In Nigeria for instance, prior to the advent of colonialism, the system that existed, conferred respect and reverence on the traditional institution to the extent that monarchs that predated the colonial period lived and exerted their influence and authorities on issues regardless of whose ass is gored.

A mere pronouncement from the royal father that time became a law and whoever dared to challenge such divine powers on them never lived to tell stories about what transpired. Instances of this nature that predated the colonial rule were abound.

The system, that time, made subjects to be under the whims and caprices of their kings, and because of the absolute power conferred on them, whatever they said, uttered or made pronouncement on can never be altered except if they were so desired.

However, their absolution on matters that concerned day to day affairs of their domains became less effective immediately they opened doors to the white imperialists, who introduced ways of checkmating them.

The adoption of indirect rule with its attendant total success and partial success in Hausa land and Yoruba land respectively gradually abrogated the powers in which the kings and the likes exerted their rulership on the people.

The external system, which replaced the pronouncements and proclamations of the traditional rulers, thereafter became extant law guiding modus operandi across the country.

Though the system did not completely sweep carpet off the feet of the monarchs, it remains a major albatross that has worked against their wishes. And because of the circumstances at hand as well as the system in place, many of them perhaps licked the wound caused them as a result of the system silently.

But even that with development, the indispensability of the role of traditional institution in a society cannot be overemphasized, for it has proven over the years as a platform through which culture and tradition of the people are preserved and protected, amicable settlement of disputes among the people and sustenance of peaceful coexistence among others.

Were it not for the intervention of traditional rulers in local communities and settlements, crises would have been the order of the day. This is because human beings have natural tendencies to instigate and live with crises from time immemorial.

Such indispensable role for harmonious living of the people made it imperative for the traditional institution to be consulted all the time. This alone attests to the position of traditional rulers, and it has remained incontrovertible over the years.

In recognition of the significance of the institution, the custodians of traditions of the people enjoy from time to time promotion from government from one status to another. This might be the reason why the monarchs are classified to ascertain their level and status in a society.

As this has become a usual practice across the country so also in Kwara State where traditional rulers have continued to receive promotion as and when due.

This was demonstrated in Ilorin at the weekend when the state government presented letters of appointment to 17 monarchs, who were elevated to second class status while the stools of 32 others were also upgraded to fourth class.

The main hall of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where the letters were presented, filled to capacity with the roll call of traditional rulers in their royal regalia and splendour.

The joy that filled the heart of the traditional rulers as they took turns to receive the letters was expressive in their countenances, beaming with infectious smile to the admiration of members of the royal families who accompanied them.

Apparently, the official receipt of the letters of elevation came with nostalgic memories of ascendancy to the throne of their forefathers many years ago.

It was indeed a beehive of activities as the event could be likened to an avenue for reunion for family members, old friends and associates with people seen exchanging caramadarie and banters.

Presenting the letters on behalf of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Habeeb, said the event was in fulfillment of the government's resolve to accord traditional institutions their due respect.

He recalled that the monarchs were elevated since the 2014 while the state government considered it worthy to present the letters of appointment to them.

The commissioner disclosed that the elevation of traditional rulers in the state would be a continuous exercise just as he denied that the event was politically motivated.

He, however, assured that the government will follow up the letters of appointment with presentation of staff of office to the newly elevated monarchs.

"We thought it wise to present them with their letters of appointment, and staff of office will follow anytime from now. It is a big thank to His Excellency for living up to expectations and his promise", he said.

The commissioner stated that the monarchs remain the custodians of traditions and should work harmoniously with their subjects to fast track development at the grass root.

He also implored the traditional rulers to maintain peace and tranquility in their domains to reflect the preaching of the state government on the need for people to cherish and sustain peaceful environment..

Responding, the Onipe of Ipe, Oba Muftau Adebayo Lawal Titiloye III, thanked the state government for the gesture, saying the presentation of the letters was long overdue..

He noted that the announcement of the elevation of 17 of them to second class kings was made in 2014 with the overwhelming expectation that a letter to that effect would follow..

"We want to thank the state government for this kind gesture. This is long overdue. When the announcement came in 2014 of our elevation to second class status, we rejoiced with the high hopes that appointment letter will follow immediately..

"After so much expectation and we could not see anything coming, we had lost hope. We couldn't believe it will manifest in our lifetimes. But now that this is coming, we want to express our profound gratitude to you for this", Onipe said..

In separate interviews with The Herald at the event, the Onijagbo of Ijagbo in Oyun Local Government Area of the state, Oba Salaudeen Adeyeye Fagbemi, praised the state government for deeming it necessary to present the letter of appointment of his elevation..

The traditional ruler particularly thanked the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, for always standing by him like his late father did, saying "I hold him in high esteem"..

He said, "We thank Almighty Allah for giving us this day and for me as Onijagbo of Ijagbo to witness this presentation. Many times I have been asking political office holders including myself that would I use my hand to collect this staff of office because considering my age, I know very much that the time is not on my side..

"But Al-Amdulilah, today I witnessed the presentation of certificate of appointment. And I'm still praying to God that I should be the person that collects the staff of office when it comes to presentation in our local government. I thank the Governor and the Senate President and the entire government of Kwara State for the great honour they have done to me. Ijagbo will ever remain grateful to this government"..

Also speaking, the Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari, said his community was full of expectation for the letter of appointment to be presented, pointing out that what has happened was an indication that "God's time is the best"..

Similarly, the Alaran of Arandun, Oba Ibikunle, heaped praises on Almighty God for making it possible for him to receive the letter, saying the elevated monarchs had been waiting patiently since 2014 when the announcement was made..

Oba Ibikunle said the elevation of his stool to second class status would give him urge to do more for his community, pledging that he would continue to prioritise the welfare of his people in terms of development and in keeping peace among them..

Among those that witnesed the presentation of letters of appointment to the monarchs include the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Salihu Mohammed; council chairmen and top government functionaries.