Jonathan visits Ooni
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade
Sijuwade, on Saturday, demanded a total representation of the South-West
in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan and the creation of the
Oduduwa State with its headquarters in Ile Ife.
The monarch made the requests among
others when Jonathan led notable chieftains of the Peoples Democratic
Party, including the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Muazu, on a
visit to his palace in Ile Ife, Osun State.
About 50 other traditional rulers from
Osun State and environs were present to receive the president. This is
the second time Jonathan would be visiting the palace to solicit the
support of the royal fathers and the people of the state to ensure
victory in the March 28 presidential election.
The Ooni delegated the Orangun of Oke
Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, to speak on his behalf. He said, “ We want
total representation. There are ongoing projects in Osun State and we
know there is paucity of fund but we want you to finish all the
projects.”
Commending the President, Oba Ibitoye
Adeseun, the monarch of Iresi, said the transformation agenda of the
administration and the renewed war against Boko Haram insurgents were
laudable.
He added, “ Ife and Ijesa are large
enough to form a state of their own. We want you to create Oduduwa State
with its headquarters in Ile Ife. We also seek the implementation of
the Confab report. We throw our weight behind you.”
The Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi
Adeniran, assured Jonathan of the support of the royal fathers and the
residents of the state in the coming polls.
He said, “Be rest assured that Obas and indigenes of Osun State are solidly behind you.”
The Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese
Oyeniyi, also told the President that the Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo State boundary
has not been completed but was reported to have been completed. The
Ooni prayed for God to grant Jonthan success in the presidential poll.
Responding, Jonathan promised the
monarchs that he would correct all the lapses observed by his
administration especially the low representation of the south-west
people in his government.
Making an allusion to the position of
speakership of the House of Representatives zoned to the South-West and
which was eventually lost to the North-West, Jonathan said he would not
allow such lapse to repeat itself if given the opportunity to rule the
nation for another four years.
He said, “ There will be political
opportunities for the people in the South-West, we will correct all the
lapses. People from the south-west will play key role and whatever is
due them will be given.”
Jonathan promised to implement the
report of the Confab, saying the restructuring of the nation as
contained in the report was more important than building infrastructure
which he said his administration would also not relent in doing.
He said, “If you build infrastructure,
they will collapse one day. We will continue to build infrastructure but
if you make significant changes in restructuring the country, that is a
significant and sustainable development.”
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