Traditional rulers in the South, under the aegis of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, have appointed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as their Coordinator.
They said the governor has done so much to advance their course as leaders of communities in Nigeria and in fostering unity among them.
The letter appointing Governor Uzodimma as the monarchs’ coordinator was presented to him yesterday in his office in Owerri by the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The chairman was accompanied by his Co- Chairman, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and the Secretary, the Dein of Agbor, Obi Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagboruzi I.
The trio were accompanied by their brother monarchs from the South, whyo are all members of Technical Committee of the body.
The Ooni, who said members of the Technical Committee were in Owerri to consider issues around the association’s forthcoming general meeting, applauded the governor’s role at ensuring that monarchs are given their pride of place in the running of the affairs of the country, politically, culturally and traditionally.
He said after careful evaluation of such roles, the monarchs collectively agreed that Governor Uzodimma is the most suitable to coordinate their affairs in the interest of not just the people of Southern Nigeria but the country as a whole.
The OOni reminded the governor that their next general meeting will be held in Ogun State, and that the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun, had agreed to host the meeting.
Governor Uzodimma hosted the maiden edition of the assembly in Owerri.
Oba Ogunwusi said the visit was not just to communicate the appointment to the governor but to brief him on the forthcoming meeting.
Recognising the pivotal role the governor plays in the current political dispensation in the country, as well as the listening ear he enjoys with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the monarchs gave him a letter seeking an audience with Mr. President.
Responding, Uzodimma said he was humbled by the accolades from the traditional rulers and promised not to disappoint them in his duty as their coordinator.
The governor reiterated the important role the traditional institution plays in society and urged the monarchs as custodians of the traditional institution to brace up to do the same in Nigeria.
He promised to liaise with his Ogun State counterpart on their forthcoming meeting in the Southwest state, assuring them that their message to Mr. President would be delivered to him.
