Kwara LG decries alleged unfair treatment in upgrading of traditional rulers
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Moro Local Government Area of Kwara, has decried the unfair treatment by the state government in the neglect of the upgrading of their traditional rulers.
President of Moro Descendants Development Union (MODDU), Prof. Reuben Akano, made the call while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Moro.
Akano said it was unjust and unfair for Kwara government to consistently exclude the local government from all grading, re-grading and upgrading of traditional institutions and rulers from 2003 till date.
He said the Kwara State Edict under which Moro Local Government Area is forced into the ‘Emirate’ is contrary to and against the wishes of the people, as it negates the constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
”In the last two months, 65 monarchs in the Kwara South Senatorial District have been graded and upgraded into various classes.
“Moro LG falls into Kwara North Senatorial District which comprises of Baruten, Edu, Kiama, Moro and Patigi local governments.
“It is disheartening that of these five local governments, only Moro Local government area does not have a graded Chief and its own traditional council at present.
”The other local governments who were also co-opted into an Emirate are already enjoying grading and elevation of their traditional institutions and rulers, why is Moro different,” The president asked.
He appealed to the state government to ensure a just and equitable relationship among the 16 local government areas in the state by correcting the ungodly imbalance and anomalies to prevent negative experiences witnessed in other places.
“Moro people deserve their inalienable freedom and right to self-determination as a local government area.
“The unity of the state is very impressive and should be paramount to the well being of all irrespective of status, religious, sectional and socio-political backgrounds.
”We appeal to Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to kindly reconsider our rewened appeal to extend the gestures with which he treated the traditional rulers of Kwara South to the traditional rulers of Moro Local Government,” Akano said.
He further appealed to the state government to uphold the judgement obtained in favour of the Oba of Jebba on Jan. 29, 2014 as delivered by Justice Hannah Ajayi.
The union unanimously called for the restoration and upgrading of Ohoro of Shao and Oba of Jebba to their pre-1984 of 3rd Class status and First Class Status respectively.
They also sought the immediate recognition and grading of the traditional rulers in Moro Local Government Areas in the state.