Gowon backs constitutional roles for traditional institutions

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday in Benin called for constitutional roles for traditional institution in the nation's constitution.

Gowon made the call at the public presentation of the book, 'Cradle of Ideas'' a compendium of speeches and writings, written by the Benin monarch, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa.

He said the traditional rulers, with their wealth of knowledge could help in guiding the nation's political leaders.

Gowon who was chairman of the occasion, described the author of the book as a well-travelled and knowledgeable personality whose 'fountain of knowledge we all should tap from'.

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo described the monarch not only as the nation's most well-read and exposed monarch but also as the country's most principled royal father.

He said the traditional institution had a major role to play in the nation's development.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said that the Benin monarch was one of the outstanding monarchs in the country.

He said the nation had a lot to learn from the traditional ruler's patriotism and good leadership qualities.

Reviewing the book, Prof Eghosa Osagie, former Vice Chancellor of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin, said the 600-page book was built around religion, education and tradition.

Eghosa said that those themes were critical in human civilisation, adding that the unveiling of the book was timely now that the nation was facing different challenges.

The book presenter, Prof. Wole Soyinka said that the book was a testimony to Oba's intellectual vigour.