President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to support traditional rulers to ensure peace and security in their domains.
The President, who expressed support for constitutional role for traditional rulers, said the National Assembly was in the best position to work on this to make it a law.
President Tinubu spoke at the weekend in Ondo town during the 70th birthday celebration of Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, at the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Cathedral Church of St. Stephen.
The President, who was represented by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the past 17 years of Oba Koladejo in the saddle have been peaceful.
He praised the Ondo monarch for the giant strides the town has recorded in infrastructural and human capital development during his reign.
President Tinubu urged everyone to keep supporting the traditional ruler to ensure continued peace and security in the kingdom.
He said the Federal Government was not unmindful of the support Oba Kiladejo had lent to agencies, institutions, and government officials within his domain over the years.
The President lauded the commitment to extending the frontiers of development engagements in the traditional ruler’s domain as well as his subjects at home and abroad in the past years.
President Tinubu recalled almost two decades ago when the monarch pulled out of his successful private medical practice in Lagos.
“You pulled out to mount the throne of your forefathers, as the Osemawe and paramount ruler of the Ondo Kingdom.
“It is evident that 17 years on, your Imperial Majesty has filled that expansive office admirably, thus proving that the kingmakers of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in unanimously choosing you as the Osemawe in 2006.
“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community and touch practically all aspects of human endeavours.
“On a personal note, let me, once again, express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February 25 polls, and later, my subsequent inauguration as President.
“I pray that the years ahead turn out to be much more remarkable for you, your immediate family, and the good people of Ondo Kingdom, whom you have led so admirably these past 17 years. May your reign continue to be fruitful and prosperous.
“All I can wish is that this should continue and probably get better under the leadership of Kabiyesi as he continues to lead us in the right direction,” he said.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the Ondo monarch’s counsel to his administration had been found invaluable and development-focused.
“It is our earnest prayer that your Majesty will continue to enjoy good health and divine wisdom in providing the much needed leadership for Ondo Kingdom and Ondo State in general.”
“It is my great pleasure to join other numerous Nigerians in wishing Your Majesty many more years of fruitful service to mankind,” he said.
