By Dapo Akinrefon
Lagos—FORMER Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, has advocated the removal of the power to appoint traditional rulers by the government  from the Constitution so that the approval of appointment of Obas, Emirs, Igwes etc) will revert to their inherited Traditional approving authority in their locality.

President Buhari with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ooni of Ife H.R.H. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II and Sultan of Sokoto H.R.H. Sa’ad Abubakar IV as he receives in courtesy visit National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria in State House

In a statement in Lagos Monday, Ojikutu, hinged this on the foisting of unpopular candidates not supported by their people but supported by the rulers due to the  patronage  they receive and the fear of removal if they go against the choice of the controling politicians.

”This  inability of traditional rulers to let  the elected political office holders  feel the pulse of the people has been the bane of delivery of good projects etc to the people. The  patronage the rulers receive also  do not  allow them to give sound advise without fear or favor  that will enhance good governance.

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“I believe by removing this authority  the elected political leaders will be able to feel the pulse of their people through sincere advise and admonitions from the rulers  so that some  home-truths can hold sway to bring back the honour and glory to the traditional institution.”

“The present authorisation and  removal power of the govt has made traditional rulers that should be neutral and seek the best for their people subservient and   appendages of government in power to the detriment of good governance.

“My late father, a Prince himself advised our forefathers in the early 50s not to accept the salary system, but keep to their earnings from agriculture and trading as according to him, ‘ he who pays the piper will dictate the tune,’ she stated.