The Oba-elect of Igbeti town in the Olorunsogo local government area of Oyo state, Bashir Olalekan Abioye has called on the three tiers of government to support the transformation of the ancient town through its abundant marble mineral resources.
Speaking with the Tribune Online in Igbeti at the weekend, the Oba-elect Abioye said that his preoccupation is to achieve rapid development of the town.
“I wish my reign to witness development and all the good things, especially, I want Igbeti to recapture all that we’ve missed in the past in the form of development. Look at our town, Igbeti is very rich in marble. And this is a place that has been in existence for over 300 years. So, we crave development more than what we have presently. I believe my reign will usher in a very rapid transformation within a very short time, by the grace of God.
The traditional ruler also joined in the clamour for constitutional roles for the nation’s traditional rulers, saying that traditional rulers, right from inception, have certain responsibilities and assignments aimed at ensuring peace and development in the society.
He lamented that the government has taken some of such roles.
“The government should reconsider this and give traditional rulers more privileges and roles in government administration. With this, I believe we’ll experience a greater secure and peaceful society. There will also be greater relationship among ethnic nationalities and religious adherents. The government is trying, but I think the traditional rulers in the olden days were able to maintain security, peace, commercial activities and all the rest”.
The Oba-elect, who gave glory to the Almighty God for making him the traditional ruler of the town, said that the position of Oba is ordained by God and not by human wisdom or wherewithal.
“I also give thanks to all Igbeti kingmakers, families and the entire Igbeti town for their support during the selection process”.
The traditional ruler admonished Nigerians to be patient with the present administration in the face of socioeconomic hardship being faced by the people.
“The present administration is trying to put things in shape. We can only be patient and persevere. Things are tight, we all know. But we should be hopeful and be confident in our leaders that things will get better”.
The traditional ruler also campaigned against the exodus of Nigerian citizens to foreign lands in search of greener pastures, saying that no one else can help us salvage the country but ourselves. “We have to give necessary support to our leaders to rebuild this country”.
The oba-elect called for unity and support among those who were in the race for the Obaship with him, saying his primary duty would be to unite the town.
“These competitors you talked about are my immediate family members. So, I have to start from my family. It’s only God who ordains kings. When God has spoken, there should no longer be grudges from any quarter. So, my responsibility is to unite all in order to move our community forward”.