Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the government to accord traditional rulers roles in the country’s quest for peace.

Kalu made the call yesterday when he visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Arowolaran.

He said that since the traditional institution is the closest authority to the people, monarchs across the country have huge roles to play in the restoration of peace to Nigeria.

Speaking at the palace of Oba Sijuwade in Ile Ife, Osun State, Kalu urged the Ooni not to abdicate his bridge building initiatives.

While he commended the top monarch for his consistency in preaching and practicing the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians irrespective of religion or tribe, the former governor said there was the need to take it further.

Hear Kalu: “You are known across the country and worldwide as a man of peace and Kabiyesi I must tell you there is still much more to do.

“I want you to galvanise our people to support our leaders instead of fighting our leaders and ourselves.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has done well for Nigeria and needs our support.

“The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has done well and we should support him.

“Kabiyesi, you have also done well and I am calling on your subjects to also support you.”

Kalu said he visited Oba Sijuwade in continuation of his peace and advocacy initiative across the country. He said Nigerians, irrespective of culture, age, colour and tribe should continue to live together in peace.

The Ooni stated that Kalu is a great Nigerian with a very large heart, who deserves to be celebrated.

He said his businesses have created robust job opportunities for Nigerians.

Oba Sijuwade urged Kalu to continue to support the peaceful co-existence of the country as he had always done.

He wished his Kalu well in all his endeavours.

In Ilesa, Osun State where Oba Aromolaran received Kalu, the former governor thanked the monarch for granting him audience.

Kalu said his visit was to preach love and unity.

He said as the custodian of tradition and representative of the people, traditional rulers have dominant roles to play in maintaining peace and stability.

The Owa described Kalu as an exemplary Nigerian who has contributed to the social, political and economic development of Nigeria.

His words: “Right from your days as Governor of Abia State, I have always followed your selfless initiatives.

“Based on this, coupled with your accomplishments in life, on behalf of myself, the Ijesaland traditional council and the good people of Ijesaland, I hereby confer on you the chieftaincy title of Bobameto (the Chief Strategist) of Ijesaland.”

•Photo (L-R) shows Kalu, Ooni of Ife and Senator Emmanuel Onwe, who accompanied Kalu on the trip . . . yesterday in Ife.

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