The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hammed Aroyewun, has advocated constitutional empowerment for traditional rulers, saying they should play a more prominent role in governance and community development.
Aroyewun made the call on Sunday during the traditional prayer programme of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali.
According to him, although traditional rulers remain central to grassroots development, they have largely been reduced to ceremonial figures under the current constitutional arrangement.
He said, “I am an advocate of giving our traditional rulers a significant role in the development and decision-making of our society, the way it was before. You can see that Kabiyesi is more like a ceremonial head, unlike before.”
“There is a need to really empower them because there is no development that they are not part of, but constitutionally, they are not part of it.”
Commending the monarch, Aroyewun said Oba Kasali had preserved the kingdom’s cultural heritage and revived neglected traditions.
“Kabiyesi has indeed protected the culture, tradition and our heritage. There is no tradition in this kingdom, even those that were abandoned, he has awakened them to bring peace, tranquillity, and development to Igbogbo Kingdom and its people,” he added.
Also speaking, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adebimpe Akinsola, urged governments to strengthen traditional institutions, describing them as the closest authorities to the grassroots.
She also praised Oba Kasali’s leadership, describing him as “an educated king, civilised, loving and humble,” adding that the kingdom had witnessed tremendous progress since his ascension to the throne.
She said, “In those days, before civilisation, governance was always with the traditional institution.
“They should empower them. They are the people at the grassroots. They know the nooks and crannies of the communities. The government should empower them to take charge of their domain.”
A former chairman of the LCDA, Olusesan Daini, also stressed the importance of traditional institutions in governance, saying they possess indigenous wisdom that governments can leverage for effective leadership.
The former council boss described the monarch as “a gentleman, a principled man, a courageous man, and somebody who is committed to development,” noting that he witnessed Oba Kasali’s commitment while serving two terms as council chairman.
“They should be supported because they don’t have as many resources as the government. The government should give them maximum support to help them play their role,” he said.
In a statement, the former Deputy Rector of the defunct Lagos State Polytechnic, now Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Olasunkanmi Longe, also lauded the monarch’s leadership.
He said Oba Kasali successfully combined his legal background with his traditional responsibilities, promoting justice and peaceful coexistence in the kingdom.
“His Majesty has uniquely blended the nobility of the legal profession with the sacred duties of the throne.
“Your adherence to the rule of law, equity and justice has transformed governance within the kingdom, ensuring that peace reigns supreme and disputes are resolved with unparalleled wisdom,” he said.
The event was attended by members of the communities and dignitaries, including government functionaries and traditional rulers.
