The reigning Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, underscores that the authority vested in traditional rulers has dwindled, advocating for a constitutional overhaul to amplify the influence of monarchs in Nigeria.
Expressing his concerns, the Ooni criticizes a scenario where even a local government chairman wields more influence than traditional rulers, deeming it detrimental to Nigeria's governance.
Represented by the Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa in Ile-Ife, Oba Adedire Adewole Solomon, these sentiments were articulated in Abuja during the 8th anniversary of the Nigeria Most Influential Awards (NMIA), organized by VGlamour Magazine.
Emphasizing the need for constitutional reform, the traditional ruler contends that the current constitution grants excessive power to the government over traditional leaders. He laments a clause that diminishes the authority of a monarch to the extent that a local government chairman holds sway over them, asserting the necessity for a comprehensive review.
Regarding the proposed N27.5 trillion budget for the 2024 fiscal year presented to the National Assembly by President Tinubu, the Ooni's representative comments:
"The budget holds promise, and it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced in bringing forth positive change amidst adversity. The current President is undertaking a gradual process. The Ooni, in close counsel with the President, is optimistic that as time progresses, positive outcomes will manifest. We must recognize the President as neither a magician nor a messiah. The path to greatness invites criticism, but steadfast focus is imperative."
Describing the Ooni as a monarch with the people's interests at heart, the Onifegunwa emphasizes the significance of personality over position. Praising the Ooni's simplicity and connection to the grassroots, he recounts an instance where the Ooni challenged members of the National Assembly to spend a week in their towns and villages. The Ooni's philanthropy, supporting the less-privileged with expenditures exceeding N10 million daily, and his commitment to cultural preservation, particularly through a foundation in Ife, underscore his dedication despite his youth and education.
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