Kwara United Football Club General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, has congratulated the Onira of Ira, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness, Oba Alhaji Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro, on the elevation of his traditional stool to First Class status by the Kwara State Government.
The elevation of the Onira is part of the recent recognition accorded a number of traditional institutions in the state, a development Badawiy described as a significant milestone in the history of Ira and the traditional institution in Kwara State.
In a congratulatory message, Badawiy commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as a courageous, historic and people-oriented decision, saying the elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution and enhance the status and visibility of the communities concerned.
He noted that the traditional institution remains an important pillar of grassroots leadership, peace-building, cultural preservation and community development, adding that according higher recognition to deserving royal stools would encourage traditional rulers to do more in mobilising their people for development.
According to him, the elevation of the Onira will also bring renewed attention to the rich history, culture and developmental potential of Ira, while strengthening the relationship between the community and the state government.
Badawiy also commended the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for his support for Ira and his continued commitment to the growth and stability of traditional institutions across the state.
He described the Emir as a father to traditional rulers in Kwara, whose counsel, experience and leadership have continued to contribute to the peaceful coexistence and effective coordination of the state’s traditional institutions.
Badawiy particularly congratulated the people of Ira, the royal family, traditional council, community leaders and indigenes at home and in the diaspora, urging them to see the elevation as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.
Ira, in Oyun Local Government Area, is one of the notable ancient communities in Kwara State. The institution of the Onira is itself deeply rooted in the history of the town.
Badawiy said the First Class elevation was therefore, not only a recognition of the personality of the incumbent monarch, but also an acknowledgement of the history, heritage and contributions of the people of Ira to Kwara State.
He urged the Onira to use the new status to further promote peace, unity, development and cultural preservation in his domain, while assuring him of the goodwill and support of the football family.
The Kwara United GM further extended his congratulations to the Oyun Local Government Area, describing the development as a source of pride to the entire Local Government and its people.
He also congratulated the other traditional rulers whose stools were elevated, including the Elesa of Oke-Ode, Olomu of Omupo and Oloro of Oro-Ago, saying the collective elevation represented an important moment for traditional institutions across Kwara State.
Badawiy prayed for long life, wisdom, good health and a peaceful reign for the Onira, expressing confidence that the monarch would continue to work closely with government, community leaders and his subjects to attract development and promote harmony in Ira and Kwara State.
He said the elevation should inspire the people of Ira to close ranks and support their monarch, while making collective efforts to translate the renewed royal recognition into tangible development for the community.
