IRRUA – A professor of Philosophy, Matthew Izibili has cautioned traditional rulers in Esanland to be circumspect in the allocation of lands for settlement for perceived dangerous strangers in Esan communities.
The philosophy expert with a bias for African Philosophy, suggested that such strangers should be restricted to a particular area from which they do their business and retire to at the end of the day, so that their activities could be monitored.
Prof. Izibili who is the immediate past Head of Department of Philosophy at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, made the call while delivering a lecture titled: “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Promoting Peace, Development and Ensuring Security”, as part of activities to mark the 50th Coronation Anniversary celebration of the Ogirrua of Irrua, HRH Alhaji William Momodu.
He also advised those he referred to as absentee traditional rulers, to return to their domains, lamenting that their continuous absence from their domains had negatively impacted their kingdoms.
He similarly called on the traditional rulers to be proactive by promptly intervening in ethnic clashes and flash points in their domains, adding that attack and counter attacks should be nipped in the bud before they escalate.
In another lecture titled: “Social Justice for all in the Nigeria Society: The Role of Traditional Institutions”, a professor of Sociology, Prof. (Mrs) Agatha Eguavoen appealed to traditional rulers to help fight social injustices against women in their domains.
She stated that female genital mutilation, wife inheritance practices, widowhood rites, discrimination against women in inheritance of properties of deceased parents, unfavorable political climate for the woman, among others, were injustices against the woman.
Dr. Agharese Osifoh on his part, while delivering a lecture titled: ” Traditional Institutions as a Catalyst for sustainability in Agricultural Development: The Okaijiesan Praxis, praised the monarch of Irrua, HRH Alhaji William Momodu for attracting projects that impacted agricultural sector of Irrua and the entire Esanland, positively.
“His Royal Highness facilitated the Federal Government of Nigeria strategic grains reserve silos and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Area Command in Irrua. He equally initiated the Okaijesan Forum for galvanizing citizens in contribution to the development of Esanland “, he explained.
The celebrant, Ogierrua of Irrua appreciated dignitaries that graced the event, including the various schools, and charged all to law abiding in order to promote peace and security in Irrua and Esanland in general.
