The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Nna Emeka Achebe has said that the traditional institution must be abreast in ensuring peace in the country. Speaking at the 80^th birthday of Awujale of Ijebuland, the Obi of Onitsha said if all Obas and Chiefs could emulate Awujale, the country will be a better place. Read on…

How will you describe the Ijebus?

I love the Ijebus, they are accommodating though I have been coming here, but anytime I am here, I always feel at home.

You are here to celebrate the Awujale at 80, what are your words for him?

I want him to continue to do his good work; he has brought development to the land, particularly human resources. Today, the Ijebus are known to be leaders and successful in their business endeavours, we have the likes of Mike Adenuga, Subomi Balogun, Oba Otudeko and the rest. So, his reign has brought development to the state as a whole. More so, the Awujale has been able to position the traditional rulers for national interest, I mean he has been able to inform the government on the need to carry traditional rulers along in policy making. I must commend Awujale for all these feats he has achieved so far.

What are the roles of traditional rulers in ensuring peace and unity in the country?    

Good question, in fact; the traditional institution has a very significant role in ensuring peace and unity in the country, unlike before where traditional rulers were reduced to only community matters. When we talk about grassroots, the traditional institution has that access to whatever goes around at the grassroots. So, by this; they have that power to control things at the grassroots. It is only the traditional heads that can solve this problem, that is why I have always called on the government to ensure that the traditional institution is involved. Take for instance, if the government of a state declares that the market must not function at a particular time, you will see some people still breaking the law but if a traditional ruler declares it, it will stand. Traditional rulers have the power to control the grassroots. Therefore, I am using this opportunity to call on the government to ensure that they carry the traditional rulers along whenever they want to formulate a policy.

You have got a new governor, what are your expectations from him?

Well, he is still very new but I think for the former governor to recommend him, he has what it takes to perform creditably well. So, we expect him to continue from where his predecessors stopped and open up other opportunities that come his way for the betterment of the state and the people.