Kwara Community Demands Grading For Monarchs

Moro Local Government has demanded inclusion in Kwara’s traditional rulers’ grading structure, accusing the state government of excluding the area from upgrading exercises for over two decades. They urged the government to address the “longstanding injustice in the grading and recognition of their traditional rulers”. Speaking in Shao, the Moro Descendants Development Union (MODDU) accused […]

Moro Local Government has demanded inclusion in Kwara’s traditional rulers’ grading structure, accusing the state government of excluding the area from upgrading exercises for over two decades.

They urged the government to address the “longstanding injustice in the grading and recognition of their traditional rulers”.

Speaking in Shao, the Moro Descendants Development Union (MODDU) accused the state government of sidelining the local government in successive exercises involving grading, re-grading and upgrading of traditional rulers since 2003.

President of the union, Professor Reuben Kehinde Akano, said the situation has left Moro as the only local government in Kwara North Senatorial District without a graded chief or functioning traditional council.

He said this is despite similar structures existing in neighbouring councils.

He described the development as discriminatory and inconsistent with the principle of equal treatment among local governments.

According to him, while Baruten and Kaiama have multiple First Class chiefs and other graded traditional rulers, and Edu and Patigi also enjoy similar recognition, Moro has remained excluded from the framework.

“Why is Moro Local Government, whose people are mainly Yoruba and the only Yoruba-speaking local government in Kwara North, being deprived while others have their traditional rulers graded?” Akano asked.

The group appealed to the state government to urgently correct such “institutional imbalance” by restoring the rights and dignity of the people of Moro.

It specifically demanded the restoration of the pre-1984 Third Class status of the Ohoro of Shao and the Oba of Jebba as an immediate remedy, while also calling for their elevation to First Class status in line with the treatment accorded their counterparts across the state.

Akano said the demand was rooted in equity and historical precedent.

“What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said, arguing that monarchs in Moro should not be denied privileges extended to rulers in other parts of Kwara.

The union further sought official recognition and grading for several other traditional rulers in communities including Okutala, Lanwa, Bielesin, Malete, Bode Saadu, Igbo Emu and Sheji, alongside more than 300 Baales and Mogajis across the local government.

MODDU also called on the government to implement the December 17, 1987 White Paper, which it said recommended halting the appointment of district heads in Moro and making corrective measures to address the de-grading injustice against the area.

They warned that continued neglect of the demands could deepen feelings of exclusion, stressing that the government should demonstrate fairness by treating all local governments equally.

“We appeal to the government to summon the political will to restore justice and ensure even development, including the welfare of traditional rulers in Moro, as obtained in other parts of the state and beyond,” Akano said.

The union urged prominent stakeholders and people of goodwill to intervene and prevail on the state government to act swiftly.

The community insisted its demands are not for privilege, but for recognition comparable to what exists elsewhere in the state.

The government is yet to react to the allegation.