- A Lagos council chairman called for constitutional powers to strengthen the role of traditional rulers
- He said monarchs should play a greater part in governance and community development
- The appeal was made during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdo.
The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hammed Aroyewun, has called for constitutional reforms that would give traditional rulers greater authority in governance and grassroots development.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Aroyewun made the appeal on Sunday during a special prayer session marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, in Lagos State.
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He argued that although traditional rulers remain closely connected to their communities and contribute significantly to local development, the current constitutional framework limits them to largely ceremonial responsibilities.
According to him, restoring stronger constitutional recognition for traditional institutions would improve governance and community engagement.
He noted that monarchs understand the unique needs of their communities and should be given a more active role in policy implementation and decision-making.
Aroyewun also praised Oba Kasali for preserving the cultural identity of Igbogbo Kingdom, saying the monarch had revived neglected traditions and fostered peace, unity and progress during his reign.
Former Lagos State lawmaker Adebimpe Akinsola supported the call, describing traditional rulers as the closest leaders to the grassroots. She urged governments at all levels to strengthen traditional institutions, adding that they possess valuable knowledge of their communities and can contribute meaningfully to governance.
She also commended Oba Kasali’s leadership, describing him as an enlightened, humble and compassionate monarch whose reign has brought remarkable development to the kingdom.
Former Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA Chairman, Olusesan Daini, echoed similar views, stressing that traditional institutions remain important partners in governance because of their experience and understanding of local realities.
He described Oba Kasali as a principled and development-focused ruler and called on government to provide traditional rulers with greater support and resources to enable them to serve their communities more effectively.
Also speaking, former Deputy Rector of the defunct Lagos State Polytechnic, now Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Olasunkanmi Longe, applauded the monarch’s decade-long reign.
Longe said Oba Kasali had successfully combined his legal expertise with his traditional responsibilities, promoting justice, peaceful coexistence and effective conflict resolution across the kingdom.
The anniversary celebration attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents who gathered to celebrate the monarch’s 10 years on the throne
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