By Kayode Adeoti
The Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has explained why he intervened in the case of embattled monarchs punished by the state government for their alleged involvement in the Iloffa/ Odo-Owa clash.
The two traditional monarchs; Aloffa of Iloffa, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada and Oloota of Odo-Owa were earlier sanctioned by the Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed to forfeit three months pay and were equally banned from attending social functions.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir, the palace spokesperson Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed said the intervention of the Emir in the matter was timely and apt. Describing him as father of all, he noted that whatever happens to any traditional monarch in the state is of concern to the chairman of the traditional council.
“Emir intervened because he’s the father of all. The government that meted out the punishment has its reason, and it is to serve as a corrective measure and not to kill them. Even in the court of law, the lawyer will stand up and plead for the forgiveness of his client and also ask the court to temper justice with mercy when he realise that his client is guilty, that is what is called litigation of law.
“I don’t see anything wrong in emir’s intervention, the people involved are leaders of communities. There is nothing extra-ordinary about it. It is normal just to ensure we all live together in peace and harmony,” he stressed.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Sola Gold, had last Thursday announced that government has relaxed the sanctions imposed on the traditional rulers.
He explained that the forfeiture of three months salaries, restriction to their domains and exclusion from official assignments earlier imposed by the State Executive Council has now been reduced from three months to 30 days.
He added that the review of the sanctions followed the intervention and appeal by the Chairman of the state Council of Chiefs, the Emir.
Reacting to the development, the monarchs in separate interviews with this medium stressed that they would prefer to keep mute over the matter.
Oba Dada said, “I don’t have any comment, I don’t have any, thank you,”
In the same vein, Oba Adimula, when contacted said he would reserve his comment, adding that all what government has done is in good faith.
“I still reserve every comment, every step government is taking is in the right direction, I reserve my comment, that is the only thing I can say,” he said.
