Day: <span>September 19, 2022</span>

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the government to improve the honour given first-class and prominent traditional rulers before and after their death.

This motion followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by the lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency 2, Hon. Olawale Abdulsobur Olayiwola, during on plenary on Monday.

Referring to the celebration that accompanied the burial ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II of England, Hon. Olayiwola observed that traditional rulers in Nigeria are never given adequate honour and recognition before and after their death.

In his comment, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa emphasised that while it might not be easy to honour all the traditional rulers in the state, first-class royal fathers should be celebrated.

The Speaker said that he shared the idea of celebrating those who make up the traditional institution adding: “We should learn how to elevate our own. If foreigners are coming to celebrate us through their documentaries, we should think deeply about celebrating ourselves too.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs should fashion out how best our Obas should be celebrated.

“Occupiers of recognised thrones that have been in existence for many years should be celebrated,” he said.

Earlier in his argument, Olayiwola had said: “Queen Elizabeth II left after over 70 years on the throne and the burial was attended by a delegation from Nigeria led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

“But here in Nigeria, we don’t celebrate our traditional rulers in death. An example was when the former Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, joined his ancestors recently. He was not celebrated as he should,” he lamented.

Olayiwola, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs, called on the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to celebrate the traditional rulers in the state while they are alive and during their demise.

This was accepted by all the lawmakers at plenary.

– Praises Hamzat for his dedication to service of Lagos

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, says the State remains proud to have Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as its Deputy Governor.

Dr. Obasa said this on Sunday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, celebrating Dr. Hamzat, who clocks 58 on Monday, September 19.

According to the Speaker, the Deputy Governor has shown, consistently, his commitment, dedication and passion to the goal of making Lagos an enviable State in Nigeria and one admired by the world.

He added that Hamzat at 58, remains a perfect example of a technocrat who is not only effective in the discharge of his duties, but uses all within his powers to ensure the good of the majority.

The Speaker further noted the seamless running of the Lagos government made up of the Executive, legislative and judicial arms, attributing this to the knowledge, wisdom and zeal of leaders including Hamzat to make the State constantly habitable for the residents.

“I congratulate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, my brother and friend in the service of Lagos and the nation as he marks his 58th birthday.

“To say Lagos is not tired of him is just saying the obvious. He has helped, over time, to lift the civil service of our dear State to an enviable height.

“We are happy to have him serve Lagos as Deputy Governor at this time, especially with his knowledge of how our dear State works.

“Again, it is noteworthy that our Deputy Governor has consistently shown beyond every reasonable doubt what a dependable ally in the scheme of progress he is.

“He has always been a loyal team player with fantastic knowledge and managerial skills. His records of service and achievements cannot be under-emphasised and have been sources of encouragement for many.

“We remain proud of him as we wish him more divine knowledge, wisdom and vitality to carry on in the service of Allah and the people.

“Happy birthday from me and my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the statement read.