Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo joined the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya; Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Jaja; Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, and other monarchs at the inauguration of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Imo State
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, was among prominent monarchs in southern Nigeria to constitute the first caretaker committee of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC).
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the council on Tuesday in Oweri, the Imo State capital.
The inauguration saw the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emerge as the Chairman of the council, while the co-chairmen were Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya and King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Jaja with Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor emerging as the secretary.
L-R: Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo and fellow monarchs at the inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) in Imo State on Tuesday, July 30, 2024
The SNTRC described the inauguration as the coming together of esteemed traditional leaders to strengthen cultural bonds and foster collaboration.
In his remarks, the Oni of Ife credited the host, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, for envisioning the council.
“We appreciate the governor for his focus, towards looking to unite the Southern protectorate of the country,” he said.
“It started since you were a Senator to see how the Southern region can unite and today, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision has been achieved.”
Also, the SGF convey the president’s support for the SNTRC.
“President Bola Tinubu is very supportive of what is going on here today [Tuesday],” he said.
“The President has a tremendous respect for this wonderful institution. You are the custodians of our culture.
“You are refined. Every one of us respects you. Nobody can do it without the support of the traditional rulers. Nigeria is a great country, rich in diversity culturally and intellectually. With traditional rulers like you, Nigeria will move forward.”
Earlier in his remark, Uzodimma urged members of the council to meet with their Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria.
“It is on that score that I invite you to support the current Federal Government led by our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“This is not a call for blind support. It is because I know, like most of you do, that he is working very hard to put Nigeria on the journey of irreversible economic growth and development.”
Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, addressing monarchs, including Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo at the inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) in Imo State on Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Similarly, Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the event as the herald of a body that will be instrumental to Nigeria’s development and heritage preservation.
“This event marks the beginning of a unification of a new body to uphold our heritage,” he said.
“We are all one. It is going to strengthen the bond. It is a historic event. The inauguration of this body will enable them to perform more advisory roles in the development of this country.”
This historic event follows a pre-inauguration meeting held on May 21, 2024, in Abuja, where the apolitical council reaffirmed its mission to work in synergy for the peace and good of Nigeria and to further the unity of the Southern Traditional Institution.
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