Traditional rulers in Lagos State have endorsed the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for the 2023 presidency.
The traditional rulers, led by Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu endorsed the former governor of Lagos at a Retreat organised for them, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The retreat has the theme: “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Conflict Resolution and in Fostering Communal Peace and Economic Development.”
The obas made the declaration during the course of their meeting and discussion on Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, Law 2015.
The section was coordinated by the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, who is the council secretary.
The oba suddenly asked others if they were in support of Tinubu for 2023 presidency.
The entire monarchs unanimously through a voice vote, used their symbol of offices (Horse-tail) to endorse and assured APC national leader of their readiness to support him whenever he is ready to declare his intention publicly.
Earlier, Akiolu commended the State Government for prioritising the intellectual empowerment of traditional rulers in Lagos State which is evident in retreat such as this.
He implored traditional rulers in the State to continue to commit themselves to and ensure they play their roles in ensuring that communal peace in their domains engender economic development in the State.
However, the monarchs thanked Sanwo-Olu for acceding to organise the retreat, which once again validates his resolve, love and tenacity in reflecting the importance of the roles of traditional rulers.
This sterling leadership quality, according to them, as shown Mr Governor’s commitment in ensuring that security, peace and economic development is reflected in every sector and fibre of the State’s economy.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, charged traditional rulers in the state on conflict resolution, fostering communal peace and economic development in their domains.
Thanking them for their efforts so far in assisting government in their domains, Ahmed urged the traditional rulers to continue to cooperate with the government, and to support her effort at moving the State to the next level, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to the people of the State and for, “A Greater Lagos Dream”.
According to Ahmed, traditional rulers in Lagos had continued to be development catalysts, and respected agents for mobilisation for policy implementation, monitoring and review of policy options.
“So, your role which goes beyond being custodian of our tradition and culture can never be overlooked in the scheme of things, in a State like ours, where peaceful co-existence is paramount to the economic progress of the State.
“Conflict resolution is a long-standing traditional engagement of our Royal Fathers. This has been passed from generation to generation and effectively replicated in our contemporary society.
“This role has contributed in no small measure to the peaceful co-existence among people of different backgrounds and beliefs in our State, resulting in remarkable economic progress for Lagos State. We thank you for this but still request that you do more, especially at this period of challenges and un-provoked aggression among people,” he stated.
