President Bola Tinubu has pledged to continue to support traditional rulers towards promoting peace and security across the country.
While endorsing the constitutional role for traditional rulers, Tinubu emphasised that the National Assembly should take the lead in implementing the initiative.
The President stated this at the weekend in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Council, during the 70th birthday celebration of Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, held at the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Cathedral Church of St. Stephen.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the last 17 years of Oba Koladejo’s reign have been impactful and peaceful.
Commending the traditional ruler for the giant strides recorded in terms of infrastructural and human capital development, Tinubu urged everyone to keep supporting the monarch in ensuring that there was peace and security while the kingdom continued to develop.
He said: “It is evident that 17 years on, your imperial majesty has filled that expansive office admirably, thus proving that the kingmaker of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of you as the next Osemawe in 2006.
“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community and touch practically all aspects of human endeavour.
“On a personal note, let me once again express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February polls and, later, my subsequent inauguration as President.
Oba Kiladejo, who appreciated Tinubu for the honour by attending his 70th birthday and 17th anniversary on the throne, commended the President for appointing Tunji-Ojo as one of his ministers, whom he described as an outstanding performer.