Southern monarchs back national development agenda

The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity among traditional institutions in the region and pledged continued support for national development and stability.

The position was reached at a meeting of the council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where members emphasised the importance of unity, inclusivity and collaboration in advancing regional and national development.

In his address at the plenary, the chairman of the council and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, stated that the council remained strictly apolitical.

He added that resolutions from the meeting would be formally communicated to the President as a demonstration of the council’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government.

In a communiqué signed by its Publicity Secretary and Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, the council resolved to ensure “greater inclusion of state chairmen in the Council’s executive structure to ensure broader representation.”

Other resolutions included “improved communication channels and enhanced organisational clarity to prevent past operational lapses,” and “the need for a united and formidable front to enable the Council to play a more impactful role in national affairs.”

Traditional rulers from Edo, Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Delta states also called for sustained peace, genuine reconciliation and structural reforms within the council

They reaffirmed their support for the President’s administration and its policies aimed at economic development and national stability.

The council further resolved that “the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council will continue to strengthen its institutional framework, promote unity across the region, and contribute meaningfully to the overall development and progress of Nigeria.”