Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has restated the importance of traditional rulers’ support in growing the state’s economy and ensuring adequate security.

Mr Adeleke spoke during a strategic consultative meeting with traditional rulers on Thursday in Osogbo.

He assured them of enhancing their welfare, noting that they were critical in his administration due to their pivotal roles in socio-economic development at the grassroots.

The governor said the traditional rulers were the custodians of culture with deep affinity with the people, adding that in Africa, productive collaboration with traditional rulers was the foundation of successful governance.

Mr Adeleke promised that his administration would provide medical support to the royal fathers and look into the possibility of health insurance enrollment for them, just as it was done for pensioners in the state.

“We have already increased the sitting allowances of our Kabiyesis, and this has taken effect statewide.

“We are addressing the issue of new cars for our Kabiyesis. With all sense of seriousness, and gradually, we will be satisfying this genuine aspiration of our fathers in this respect,” he said.

The governor also promised that within the first tenure of his administration, he would build a befitting Council of Obas Secretariat in the state, which would be fully equipped.

He, however, urged the traditional rulers to continue to support his administration with needed advice for economic development and also correct him whenever he did anything wrong.

The state’s traditional rulers were led to the meeting by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who is the chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas.

Mr Ogunwusi commended the governor for his record of good governance and service delivery to the people.

“We offered open hands, and we are glad that the governor has wholeheartedly embraced our hands of fellowship.

“We pledge full support for the success of the governor,” he said.

(NAN)