A frontline monarch in the Niger Delta, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Monday Obukohwo Udurhie I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have jointly called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s traditional rulers and political leaders to foster national unity and preserve cultural heritage.
The two revered monarchs also urged the federal government to intensify efforts in addressing infrastructural gaps in the Niger Delta as well as critical federal roads in other parts of the country.
While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “his transformative leadership through various policies that are already yielding positive results,” the monarchs called for continued public support and prayers for his administration to succeed.
They spoke on the occasion of a historic visit of the Urhobo monarch to the Ooni of Ife at his royal palace, Ile Oduduwa, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday, during which the Ooni assured that the duo “will work more closely for the betterment of the two kingdoms and southern Nigeria.”
“We’ll work closer for the betterment of Nigeria as a whole,” he declared.
The Ooni, who expressed excitement over the visit, praised Udurhie I for his contributions to projecting the Idjerhe Kingdom to the world, describing the visit as “a moment of cultural unity and royal friendship.”
He said, “I want to assure you that we will work closer for the betterment of the two kingdoms and southern Nigeria. We’ll work closer for the betterment of Nigeria as a whole.
“We, traditional rulers, we live for the people, for their betterment, for their welfare and their greatness”.
On his part, the Idjerhe monarch, accompanied by two chiefs,s including a former three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Halims Agoda, Chief Festus Agisogu, and Chief Otite Anighoro, stressed that “while politicians may falter, the royal institution cannot and should not afford to fail, as it remains the custodian of tradition and a unifying force in the country.”
The Urhobo monarch praised the Ooni of Ife for his contributions to the development of the country, urging him to continue to use his well-respected position as a co-chairman of the Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council to speak for Nigerians.
“We remain the group that holds the nation together. We are the source of the traditional fabric and our heritage. Sustaining the royal institution is essential, and you (the Ooni) have been doing this very well, “he said.
He urged the Ooni and other traditional rulers to continue engaging with the federal government to ensure equitable development, adding that the Niger Delta’s peace and stability are closely tied to how its people are integrated into national governance.
Udurhie I cited the need for improved road networks to enhance access to Niger Delta communities, arguing that overreliance on river transport limits development and security monitoring.
He also appealed for special government attention to the South-South, particularly in terms of federal appointments and infrastructure, noting that the region’s contributions to national revenue deserve commensurate recognition.
