Ahead of 2019 elections, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo yesterday appealed to politicians, especially those vying for positions to be democratic in their leadership roles, urging them to think not of personal gains but think more of the citizens to move the country forward.
Gbadebo made the statement at his Ake Place in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during a Press Conference held to kick-start his forth coming 75th birthday anniversary holding on Friday.
The three -day anniversary is said to feature free medical outreach, installation of some eminent Egba sons and daughters has Chiefs, religious activities among others.
Fielding questions from Journalists, the Monarch who ascended the throne 13 years ago hinted that in a democratic system where the leaders think more of themselves and less about the people they govern, chaos is inevitable.
Alake also emphasised the need for politicians to cultivate tolerance, adding that if tolerance was missing in a leader, is leadership qualities are incomplete.
He stressed, "I will say, politicians should think less of themselves and their families but think more of the people they govern. They must also exercise tolerance. In a democratic system where leaders seek after selfish gain, chaos is inevitable."
His view, following a question on whether traditional leaders should participate in politics "Traditional leaders are meant to advise those in government in the areas needed because tradition and democracy are two parallel lines".
Asked his achievement since his ascension as a Monarch, the royal father enunciated that during his reign, Egbaland had witness tremendous changes part of which are installation of unity among the people, reduction of corrupt practices, human and material development to mention a few.
The Alake also described his greatest challenges, stating that despite his effort to ensure that the indigenous people imbibe the culture of the land i.e, embrace the Adire fabric (a local fabric made my the Egbas), eat the indigenous Ofada rice, they still stick to the western culture.
Another challenge he said is that people think more of themselves than the development of the community.
The Monarch eulogised the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. The Governor, Alake said had contribute immensely to his success as a traditional ruler, adding that the Amosun's administration has been supportive of his reign.
He said "Without the Governor's support, my name wouldn't have been heard. The Governor is making sure that the culture and traditions of Egbaland does not die away".
He added "let us pray that the next Governor of this State will do better than what Amosun has done. I cannot say whether the person that will succeed him will perform better, but let us keep praying."
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