Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Tuesday, called on the Southern Nigeria traditional rulers council from the seventeen states of the region to reach out to the Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria.
Uzodimma said this at the inauguration of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Owerri by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume in Owerri.
The Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, while the co-chairmen, Obi of Obinugwu, HRH Eze Cletus Illomuanya and HRM King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Douglas Jaja were inaugurated as co-chairmen respectfully.
Uzodinma urged them to do all at their behest to reconcile their differences and love one another genuinely.
He said: “i charge you to reach out to your counterparts in the northern part of the country and forge a lasting national unity for the peace, progress, and development of the country. This is a task that you, as royal fathers, must accomplish. Nigeria needs your fatherly wisdom to navigate through the storms posed by etthnic and religious differences”.
The Governor expressed his immense appreciation to all who agreed to set up this Council while charging them not to allow it to be a failed project.
He promised to give the much-needed support to ensure the unity of the council, while working for the peace and progress of the country, Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries that attended the event include the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, as well as members of the National Assembly members.
Meanwhile, President Bola Almade Tinubu has government administration to partnership with the traditional institutions in the country to ensure effective and grass root governance in the country.
The president through the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria Sen. George Akume declared that his administration would accord all necessary respect to the Southern Traditional Rulers Council to ensure effective roles and performance
He said: “as fathers and custodians of culture and tradition, my administration must give due honour and respect to the traditional institution”.
President Tinubu advised the traditional rulers under the body to always speak with one voice, especially for the peace and unity of the country.
In his opening speech, the chairman of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Adeyeyeenitan Ogunewusi CFR disclosed the mission of the council which is to come together, work together in synergy for peace and unity of Nigeria and that of the South-South of Nigeria.
The monarch pointed at the aims of the council which anchored on creation and work for better understanding and respect for Southern communities in Nigeria.
He said: “the gathering which is comming after the almargermation of Southern Protectorate in 1914 is very important for unity to be achieved in the region”.
Among the dignitaries who honoured the inauguration include the Governor of Ondo State, Dapo Abiodun, his counterpart from Yobe Mai Mala Bumi, and some members of the national assembly.
