Vice President Yemi Osinbajo paid a private visit to Delta State on Saturday during which he joined the Ovie of Uvwle Kingdom; His Majesty Dr Emmanuel Sideso, in seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria.
The Vice President also commended the Uvwie monarch for his notable role in sustaining peace in his community just as he recalled the past youth restiveness.
Osinbajo, who was in Delta State for the thanksgiving ceremony of late 95-year-old Chief Patrick Ideh, one of those who fought for Nigeria’s Independence and had been practising law since 1961, was accompanied to the royal Palace of the Movie of the Uvwle Kingdom by the National Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata and the children of late Chief Patrick Ideh.
Speaking at the royal palace of the Ovie of Uvwie at Effurun, Prof. Osinbajo noted that traditional rulers were more in touch with the grassroots saying that “in view of this there is need for the National Assembly to give them constitutional roles”.
He prayed that with the level of politics gathering momentum in the country, the National Assembly would be able to finish their constitutional duty and amend the constitution.
“The President also wants some constitutional roles for traditional rulers,” he stated.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Ovie of Uvwle Kingdom expressed surprise that despite the presentations by Nigerian monarchs to the National Assembly, the committee on constitutional review did not do anything, or say a word on the need for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.
He appealed to the Executive to intervene just as he commended the Federal Government for the continuous support for the traditional institutions.
He also prayed for all politicians particularly the President and the Vice President.
Also speaking, the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his deputy, Barr Otuaro, expressed support for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.
