Date: 2018-12-12

The Kwara State Government has denied rumours that it demanded N100,000 from newly-graded traditional rulers in the state as a condition for receiving their staffs of office.

Speaking after the 17 Royal fathers from Ifelodun Local Government Council of the state received their staffs of office on Monday, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Alhaji Saidu Habeeb, described the rumours as false, and a malicious attempt by mischievous elements to blackmail the government for political purposes.

Alhaji Habeeb said the state government has never at any time made cash payment a condition for receipt of staffs of office by traditional rulers as there is no requirement to do so.

He stressed that grading is phased in the state but is devoid of a requirement for prior payment of any amount by beneficiary traditional rulers. According to him, qualified traditional rulers receive staffs of office once their grading or upgrading is approved by the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed under existing regulations and laws.

Alhaji Habeeb, therefore, called on members of the public to ignore the rumour which he said was concocted by faceless elements seeking to diminish the significance of the grading and tarnish the government's reputation.