By Chris Chimezie
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The present administration led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has been commended for its untiring commitment towards restoring power to the South Senatorial District of the state which had suffered blackout for almost ten years.

The commendation was contained in a communique read by the Secretary of the 130 Crowns Club and the Olu of Igbobini, Oba Raphael Oyedele after the Club’s meeting held at Ikaram-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government yesterday.

It also applauded the Governor’s move at improving security through the fencing of educational institutions, reconstruction of dilapidated and construction of new blocks of classrooms all of which would make the learning environment more conducive for pupils.

“We request the government to see to the improvement of our roads and provide more security to some parts of the State where kidnapping was rampant and we pray for the sustenance of the current peace being enjoyed in the state

“This noble Club is not political, not a trade union or a pressure group. We stand as a bridge between the grassroots and the government, being the voice of the people and foot soldiers of government for the purpose of translating government’s activities to the people”, it said.

In the communique  the club also appreciated the State government for being responsive to the yearnings of traditional rulers through the interactive session the Governor had with the Obas  recently.

Speaking with Government House Correspondents after the meeting, President of the Club and Aladeokun of Alade, Oba Olusegun Akinbola commended the present government for its developmental projects which  included sinking of boreholes to make life more meaningful for residents of the State.

He added that despite the fact that the lingering power issue in the Southern District was inherited by his administration, he has began moves aimed at ensuring that electricity is restored to the area.

Also, the Owa-Ale of Ikare, Oba S.K Adedoyin, who is the Club’s Ex-Officio, described the Club as part of the government at the local level which translates government’s activities and policies to people at the grassroots.

He stressed the importance of traditional rulers to government at various levels of governance, saying “Parties will come and go, government will come and go, but the Obas will always remain in their domains”, he said.

While describing the 130 Crowns Club as very advantageous to government, he said rather than government meeting with the traditional rulers individually, it can easily reach out to them through the identified Club to synergise effectively.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association who is the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, noted that the purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the tradition of keeping Kings in their rightful positions within the communities is sustained.

He added that the tradition which is being  eroded gradually especially in the South West through the so-called civilisation and education, through their meetings would be strengthened.

Oba Odidiomo further hinted that the meeting also afforded them opportunities to deliberate on ideas that would assist them in moving their various communities forward.

Also speaking, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko and Trustee of the Club, Oba Francis Apata, lauded Akeredolu’s idea of presenting Staff and Instrument of Office to new Obas in their domains.

While describing such event as that which has to do with traditional rulership and institution, said whoever is going to rule over his people, should be honoured with the Instruments of Office in his domain which would enable his subjects to witness such ceremony.

On his own, the Oliyere of Iyere Kingdom who doubles as the Club’s Assistant Secretary, Oba Omotunde Alaba Adako, said the Club is a partner in good governance, adding that its synergy with the government would bring about forward movement of traditional institution in the state.

He, however, maintained that the Club would always render its support to the present administration towards the overall development and transformation of the Sunshine State.

The meeting was also attended by the Club’s Chief Whip and Akapinsa of Ipinsa, Oba Olufunmilayo Omoniyi, Oludotun of Iludotun, Oba Kayode Olusa (Treasurer), Olubaram of Ibaram, Oba Olusegun Atibioke (Coordinator), Onibuji of Ibuja, Oba Folagbade Ojo (Financial Secretary) and other members of the Club.