The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for stronger unity, enhanced security collaboration, and sustained regional development among traditional institutions across Southern Nigeria, as he presided over a high-level council meeting held in Port Harcourt.
The monarch made the call during a strategic roundtable session convened at the Galaxy La-Palm Royal Resort, where prominent traditional rulers from the South-West, South-East, and South-South gathered to deliberate on pressing regional concerns. The meeting was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.
In his address, the Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), emphasized that the collective strength of traditional institutions remains critical in tackling insecurity and advancing socio-economic development. He noted that the council was established to promote cohesion among monarchs and to amplify their role within Nigeria’s governance structure.
Highlighting the importance of continuity and collaboration, the Ooni acknowledged the contributions of previous host governments, including that of Hope Uzodinma, as well as the administrations of Ogun and Lagos States, for supporting earlier council engagements.
He also commended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the people of the state for hosting the current session, describing the gathering as a vital platform for fostering dialogue on peace, unity, and sustainable development across the southern region.
The meeting attracted a distinguished assembly of monarchs, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado; and the Alara of Epe, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, alongside chairmen of various state traditional councils.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara praised the monarchs for demonstrating unity despite cultural and ideological diversity, noting that their shared commitment to peace and development aligns with Nigeria’s broader national priorities. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between government and traditional institutions in addressing challenges such as kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and separatist agitations.
The governor also used the occasion to express political support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that leadership continuity is essential for maintaining ongoing economic reforms and infrastructural development nationwide.
Deliberations at the meeting focused on key issues including regional security, national unity, grassroots development, and early considerations toward the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on peacebuilding and stability.
The Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, which comprises first-class monarchs from the 17 Southern states, continues to assert its relevance as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s governance framework, leveraging its grassroots influence to promote harmony, cultural cohesion, and sustainable development across the region.
