Ondo lover of Traditionalists and Culture Advocate For Creation Of SSA On Traditional Affairs, Fault Exclusion From Govt Structure
Indigenes of Ondo State have advocated for the recognition and inclusion of the Traditional Institution and the Isese community in the governance structure of the state.
One of the advocates clarified that the advocacy should not be misconstrued as a personal request for appointment, stating that he is gainfully employed and has no personal interest in serving in any capacity.
According to him, the agitation is purely about representation and inclusion, noting that the Isese people should be given a recognised channel of communication with the government, just as the Christian and Muslim communities have.
"This is not about seeking an appointment for myself; it is about ensuring that a significant part of our cultural and spiritual heritage has a voice and a recognised point of engagement with government," he said.
In a similar appeal, Chief Abimbola Sandra Adanlawo, the Eyedofin of Ibulesoro in Ifedore Local Government Area, appealed to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to consider the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Traditional Affairs to represent and coordinate the interests of traditional worshippers.
Adanlawo, in a letter addressed to the Governor, said such appointment would promote inclusiveness, equal representation and recognition of traditional worshippers within the state.
She stated that by virtue of her traditional title and close connection with traditional institutions, she deeply appreciates the importance of giving traditional worshippers a recognised channel through which their concerns can be heard.
"In the same spirit that the interests of Christian and Muslim communities are given institutional channels of representation, I humbly believe that traditional worshippers also deserve a meaningful platform," she added.
Also lending her voice, Temitope Faith Iwagun, said the exclusion of traditional religion might be an oversight and not a deliberate decision, while questioning the rationale behind appointing aides for Christian and Islamic Affairs while leaving out the indigenous traditional institution.
"Do we need the whole community of Ondo State to remind you that Nigeria has three major religions: African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam? Are we not a people with a rich indigenous heritage that deserves recognition?" she queried.
She urged the Governor's team of advisers to do better, stressing that governance should reflect the diversity, heritage and identity of the people it serves.
In the same vein, a popular Ondo social media influencer, Ogunmola Oluwaseun Joshua, popularly known as Ob Sugar, suggested that the position of SSA should also be considered for traditionalists, proposing Timo Akewi, a known member of the APC and promoter of traditional heritage, for the role.
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