The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for synergy between traditional institutions and the government for sustainable community and national development, saying such relationship will facilitate improved security, welfare and prosperity for the people as well as closer cooperation between modern governance and the traditional form of government.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the colloquium organised to mark the 12th installation anniversary of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, at Iragbiji, Osun State, recently.

Speaking on the theme of the colloquium “Sustainable Community and National Development, Creating a Synergy between Traditional Institutions and Government”, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, said traditional institutions by virtue of their unlimited tenure are strategically positioned to promote sustainability because of its link between the past and the present.

The Governor said traditional institutions must play a role beyond being the custodian of the people’s tradition, custom, history and culture, adding that the role of traditional rulers must be agreed upon and enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“Some Nigerians hold the opinion that one of the factors responsible for our low level of development is the failure to harness the potentials of our traditional institutions. In other words, there is a need for synergy between government and the custodians of our history, culture and tradition”, Mr. Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu added that “A key factor in development is sustainability, which in simple terms means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of our future generations to meet their own needs. The traditional institution by virtue of its unlimited tenure is strategically positioned to promote sustainability because of their link between the past and the present”.

While stressing the need for synergy between traditional institutions and government, the Governor said the traditional institution has a repository of knowledge, experience and wisdom, which are essential for social stability and purpose-driven development tailored towards the needs of the community.

He averred that the areas where the role and relevance of the traditional institution are of great significance include the maintenance of peace, order and security, which is the foundation for sustainable socio-economic development at the community, State and National level.

He maintained that government must synergise with traditional rulers because of their closeness to the people and superior knowledge of the dynamics of their communities.

“It will do our nascent democracy a lot of good and give an advantage of facilitating improved security, welfare and prosperity for our people, if we take a cue from our past experiences and forge a closer synergy between the modern governance system and our traditional institutions”, he asserted.

The event, which was attended by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Alabi, represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy, Mr. Rasaq Adeosun, attracted notable speakers who included Prof. Lai Olorode, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso and Dr. (Mrs) Aminat Ayobami Olaboopo amongst others.