BY AYANTUNDE AYANGBAYI (JP)
There is a need to constitutionally empower traditional rulers as a result of their strategic position so as to enable them contribute meaningfully to security sector governance in the country.
Over the years, this issue has been on the front burner. For obvious reason, looking at the current security situation in the country, the time to emphasize on the relevance of this all-important topic is now.
It has been observed by many stakeholders that, no matter the level of their training and expertise, security personnel cannot know a community more than the owners of the community or the chiefs of the area. Members of the community know everybody, including visitors.
In other words, traditional rulers or royal fathers who are the rulers of kingdoms and communities are better informed and have more sociological knowledge that can enhance intelligence and security of the society.
But in Nigeria, the big challenge is the fact that traditional rulers have no legal power to make them contribute effectively in the act of governance despite their experience and knowledge. It is a major constitutional issue that successive government has not been able to address.
Notably, traditional institutions have vital roles to play in fostering peace, progress and unity in the society. Their counsels, wisdom and the sound knowledge of their cultural and traditional society make them indispensable assets in resolving conflicts and restoring peace and order.
For instance, the institution of Olupo-in-Council constitutes a veritable pillar of peace, amity, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence, and so His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba (Barrister) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Chairman, Irepodun LG Traditional Council in Kwara State is a great asset whose wealth of experience and wisdom have brought peace and tranquility to his kingdom.
To His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Barrister Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Alebiosu, a frontline first class traditional ruler in Kwara State, he works diligently for the preservation of the country’s unity and Irepodun LGA-in particular.
His recent prompt attention to the breach of peace at Kara Market in his domain on Friday, 12th August, 2022, between a group of by-passers and Fulani cattle herders confirmed that he has a direct personal stake in the security and peace of the country in general and his domain in particular, and by extension, Igbomina land of Kwara State.
The Kara Market, along Ilorin/Lokoja Federal Highway in Kwara State, is a Fulani settlement with people coming weekly on market days to buy and sell their farm produce, purchase of cattle, etc.
Until on Friday, 12th August, 2022, it used to be a peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic groups in the area when an unfortunate incident that is supposed to be resolved snowballed into a clash that claimed four (4) lives, disrupted social-economic activities that threatened to undermine their age-long unity.
It was an obviously avoidable man-made affliction on a community that is known for peaceful co-existence.
Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba (Barrister) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, known for his tenacity, resilience, intelligence and comportment, did not waste time to inform and engage security operatives at the state and locally to quell the breach of peace to make peace and normalcy return to the market almost immediately.
As a moralist, Kabiyesi Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Alebiosu, conscious of culture, is a custodian of tradition and values that guide and protect the sanctity of Olupo-In-Council and the Igbomina race to the admiration of all and sundry.
To the Royal Father, Peace is non-negotiable. “Peace is a major ingredient for socio-economic emancipation and stable political development of any society anywhere in the world. Peace must not elude my people in Ajase-Ipo and the entire Igbomina land”, Oba Atoloye Alebiosu emphasized.
This writer believes that Oba (Barrister) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo deserves applause for providing timely information to the State Police Command for intervention to resolve the fracas and inform appropriate authorities to bring the situation back to normalcy and for peace to reign.
Our impactful governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, should also be commended for the visit to Ajase-Ipo the following day Saturday, 13th August, 2022, to see things for himself and for charging the people to live in peace and harmony. This is very thoughtful and appreciated.
As peace returns to Kara Cattle Market, Kabiyesi Oba Yahaya Bolaji Atoloye Alebiosu advised the people not to display their products, produce and goods near the highway. He admonished them to move into the market arena to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, unfortunate incidence and disaster to the people and their products.
The natural ruler banned the sale of alcohol or hard drugs at the Kara Market, assuring that whoever is caught will face the law squarely. Finally he charged the entire people in the market to continue to embrace enduring peace and live in harmony: “People must not take laws into their hands arbitrarily”. The traditional ruler emphasized.
It was a show of solidarity and ability to embrace peace in the face of daunting challenges, even in line with Kwara State’s appellation as “State of Harmony”. We as a people must be harmonious, peace-loving and united to move the state forward in the right direction.
On the whole, this journalist is impressed like many people have expressed satisfaction and commendation with the activities and performances of His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba (Barrister) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo on how he handled resolution of conflict(s) in his domain.
As the traditional ruler matches on in royalty with dignity and grace, he represents the change in traditional institution; he beckons on success, even where and when success is rare. That is the fruit of learning and exposure. The peace advocate and custodian of tradition and culture is the traditional ruler for historical reference now and in future.
May the days ahead bring greater height to His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba (Barrister) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo for all that his forefathers represented: love, affection willingness to rise beyond ethnic/religious tolerance, and most importantly, service to mankind.
May his reign continue to be eventful and peaceful, Amiin!!!
Mr. Ayangbayi (JP), is a journalist and he writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.
