By Daniel Ayantoye
A professor of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, Hassan Salihu has advocated for the inclusion of traditional rulers’ roles in the Nigerian Constitution.
Salihu, stated this on Tuesday, while reviewing a book: ‘The Royal Stools’ at the 1st Royal Public Lecture/Award Presentation & Book Launch in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Represented by Dr Johnson Olaniyi, the Don lamented the insignificant level of recognition of traditional rulers in the country, noting that there is need to put a measure in place in to sustain the culture of the land.
“As a nation, we have abandoned our culture and adopted that of foreigners, this is not good for us. Royal fathers are not given the deserved recognition and this certainly has negative effect as we are not supposed to ridicule and forget our source,” he added.
While speaking on the sustenance of tradition and culture through education, Salihu condemned educationists for allowing the removal of History as a subject from the school curriculum. According to him, such change poses more threat to the existence of culture in the future.
He commended the author Mallam Abdulazez Arowona and scored him 89%, for his efforts in publishing the book just as he urged him to consider the six geo-political zones in future publication.
Similarly, the guest lecturer and the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malate, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah expressed concern towards the neglect of culture and tradition.
Speaking on the Theme: ‘Traditional Institutions towards National Consciousness & Democratic Advancement in Nigeria’, Na’Allah called for concentration on traditional institution for the development of the culture and tradition in the country.
Speaking on the essence of the book, Arowona said it was meant to reawaken and improve the level of recognition that the traditional institution.
In the same vein, the Chairman Organising committee Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Saliu Woru Mohammed noted that the success of the event is a clear indication that there will be greater development in the sustainability of culture and tradition.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 13 personalities including the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, received awards at the event.
Also on the list of awardees are: Etsu Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Oloyede Gbadamosi, Iba of Kishi, Oba Mashoud Lawal, Emir of Okuta, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Sero Idris, the Chief Executive Officer, Kamwire Nigeria Ltd, Engr. Kamaldeen Yusuf and the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali among others.
