The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reiterated the immense role played by traditional rulers in the economic development of the country.
The Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this in Epe at the 20th coronation anniversary of the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun.
Hamzat said that traditional rulers played useful roles in brokering peace between the people and the state, enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing an institutional safety.
He described the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people as phenomenal and urged traditional rulers to form partnership with government in order to meet the needs and aspirations of the people.
Prof. Oladele Orimogunje, in a lecture titled: “The Role of Obas in National and Local Economic Development,” said the development of every community was paramount to the traditional rulers in Yoruba land.
Stressing the importance of traditional rulers, Orimogunje noted that they were in charge of different festivals through which the indigenous religions and traditions were preserved.
“The traditional rulers can also help in advancing economy in their domains,” Orimogunje said.
On security of lives and property of the people, the don said that traditional rulers were in the best position to organise indigenous security architecture.
Orimogunje noted that kings in various communities also recognize members of their communities who were conversant and versed in indigenous knowledge on the use of herbs.
Earlier, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Naforija of Epe and Chairman of the occasion, urged traditional rulers not to relent in performing their duties of ensuring peace and progress in their communities.
Ogunlaja implored the citizens to always perform their civic responsibilities which included maintaining of law and order.
