Vice president Osinbajo, Uvwie monarch meet, seek constitutional role for traditional rulers

By Timi Black
Chief Correspondent

The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called for constitutional role for traditional rulers just as he commended the Ovie of Uvwee Kingdom; HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso for his role in Sustaining the peace in Uvwie kingdom.

Prof Osinbajo spoke when he paid a courtesy call on the Uvwie monarch in his palace in Effurun on Saturday.

The Vice President said that in view of the fact that traditional rulers were more in touch with the grass roots there was need for the National Assembly to give them constitutional roles.

He prayed that with the level of politics gathering momentum, the National Assembly would be able to finish their constitutional duty and amend the constitution.

According to him, the President also wants some constitutional role for traditional rulers.

The vice president commended the Uvwie Monarch for sustaining the peace in his kingdom, while recalling the past youths restiveness in Niger Delta

Earlier in a welcome address, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom expressed surprise that despite their presentations to the National Assembly, the committee on constitutional review did not do anything or say a word on the need for constitutional role for traditional ruler.

The Uvwie monarch, appealed to the executive to intervene and commended the federal government for the continuous support for the traditional institutions. He prayed for all politicians particularly the president and his Vice for good health and foresights.

Also speaking, the Delta state governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his deputy Barrister Otuaro also supported a constitutional role for traditional rulers.

The Vice President who was in state for the thanksgiving ceremony of Late Chief Patrick Ideh 95 year, one of those who fought for Nigeria independence and had been practicing law since 1961 was accompanied to the Uvwie palace by the NBA national chairman Akpata and the children of late Chief Patrick Ideh.