Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday advised traditional rulers? in Ogun to abstain from partisan politics in order? to guarantee public confidence and engender unity in their domains.
Obasanjo gave the advice in Abeokuta at a one-day retreat organised for traditional rulers in the state,
He said that earlier attempts by traditional rulers in the country to delve into politics often resulted into loss of integrity and respect for them.
He explained that it was difficult for any monarch to engage in politics without being partisan.
He urged them to be mindful of their positions as fathers of all subjects in their domains, expected to be neutral and unbiased umpires in all issues.
Obasanjo appealed to them to operate an open-door policy and accommodate all subjects irrespective of their religious or political leanings.
The elder statesman said? that the monarchs should act in advisory capacities to guide various? political leaders in their domains on how to enhance development.
According to him, the retreat is to enlighten the traditional rulers and to call some of them to order for their excesses that have tended to desecrate the sanctity of the throne.
The guest speaker, Dr Oladele Orimogunje, a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies at the University of Lagos, urged the monarchs to always conduct themselves in respectable manner.
Orimogunje who noted that the Yoruba culture places high importance and vested powers in traditional rulers, warned them against abuse of same.
The don also urged them to ensure sustenance of the rich Yoruba cultural heritage through their dressing, language and traditional religion.
Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, Commissioner of Police in Ogun, said that traditional rulers were invaluable asset to the police in law enforcement and crime prevention.
“The essence of community policing is to build a synergy with the community to ensure crime reduction through a joint effort, realising the fact that police cannot do it alone,’’ he said.
The commissioner listed the roles expected of traditional rulers as including intelligence gathering, public enlightenment, creation of neighbourhood watch groups, moral counselling and alternative dispute resolution.
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