Lawmaker Advocates for Enhanced Collaboration Between Traditional Rulers and Legislature
Hon. Festus Adefiranye, the lawmaker representing Oke-Igbo/Ile-Oluji/Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives, has issued a compelling call for a more structured and formalized collaboration between traditional rulers and the legislative arm of government. According to Adefiranye, this synergy is not only essential but imperative for achieving effective representation and fostering sustainable grassroots development across communities.
Necessity of Consultation with Monarchs
During a recent interaction with journalists in Oke-Igbo, within the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Council Area of Ondo State, Adefiranye elaborated on his stance. He maintained that the parallel structure of governance makes consultation with monarchs not merely advisable but absolutely necessary for meaningful and impactful lawmaking. The lawmaker emphasized that traditional rulers serve as the custodians of their domains, possessing deep insights into local issues, which makes them indispensable to the governance processes.
Adefiranye highlighted his personal approach, stating that he regularly consults all traditional rulers in his constituency to identify pressing community needs. This proactive engagement allows him to address these issues through legislative motions and private member bills, ensuring that laws reflect the realities on the ground.
Focus on Oke-Igbo and Security Initiatives
While speaking specifically about Oke-Igbo town, the lawmaker expressed optimism regarding the impact of the community's monarch, whom he described as vibrant and highly experienced. He noted that this traditional ruler had reached the peak of his professional career before accepting the call to serve his kingdom, bringing valuable expertise to his role.
"Every local government is being represented by the National Assembly, and every constituency has a kabiesi (traditional ruler), and that is why every member of the National Assembly consults," Adefiranye explained. "In my own federal constituency, I do consult all the traditional rulers just to know what is important to them, particularly to the communities, in terms of motions and bills. The role of traditional rulers is very important because they are the custodians of their kingdoms, and that is why you cannot do without them."
He provided a concrete example of this collaboration in action, mentioning that he sponsored a workshop focused on security in the environment. All traditional rulers in the federal constituency were invited to participate, resulting in a successful event that produced a communique. This document was forwarded to the governor and formed the basis of a motion Adefiranye presented in the House of Representatives, demonstrating how such partnerships can translate into tangible legislative actions.
Commendation and Future Prospects
Adefiranye further commended the traditional ruler of Oke-Igbo, who is also the president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, for his dedication and numerous projects. "I believe that he will bring his experience to bear in Oke-Igbo and turn it to our promised land. For him to agree to serve his people is something we need to commend him on. It is commendable. I believe that during this time, Oke-Igbo will know it for good," he said.
In conclusion, the lawmaker expressed gratitude for the quality of leadership in his constituency, particularly praising the monarch of Oke-Igbo as young, vibrant, and experienced. He reiterated that such attributes are crucial for driving positive change and ensuring that traditional institutions play a pivotal role in modern governance frameworks. This advocacy underscores a broader movement towards integrating traditional authority with legislative processes to enhance community welfare and national development.
