The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called for deeper unity, strengthened security collaboration, and sustained regional development among Southern Nigeria’s traditional institutions, as he presided over a high-level meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday evening by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Speaking at the roundtable held Thursday at Galaxy La-Palm Royal Resort, the Ooni who is also the Permanent Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), emphasized that the collective strength of traditional rulers across the South-West, South-East, and South-South remains critical to addressing the region’s pressing challenges, particularly insecurity and socio-economic development.
The revered monarch noted that the council was established to foster cohesion and amplify the role of traditional institutions in governance, adding that its growing influence is rooted in the diversity and experience of its members.
He acknowledged previous host governors, including Hope Uzodinma, as well as the governments of Ogun and Lagos States, for supporting earlier editions of the meeting.
The Ooni also commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the people of the state for hosting the current session, describing the gathering as a crucial platform for dialogue on peace, unity, and sustainable development across the southern region.
The meeting drew attendance from prominent monarchs including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, Alara of Epe, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, among others, alongside chairmen of various state councils of traditional rulers.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara lauded the unity demonstrated by the monarchs despite cultural and ideological differences, noting that their shared commitment to peace, security, and development aligns with Nigeria’s broader national interests.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between government and traditional institutions in tackling critical issues such as kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and separatist agitations.
Fubara further used the occasion to express support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that continuity in leadership remains vital for sustaining ongoing economic reforms and infrastructural development across the country.
Deliberations at the meeting centered on key regional concerns, including security, national unity, grassroots development, and preparations toward the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on peace advocacy and stability.
The Southern Traditional Rulers Council, an umbrella body of first-class monarchs from the 17 Southern states, continues to position itself as a vital stakeholder in Nigeria’s governance architecture, leveraging its grassroots influence to promote harmony and development.
