In a strategic move to strengthen traditional institutions and promote effective palace administration, the member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, has empowered queens across his constituency through a specialised ethical leadership and administrative training programme.
The initiative, organised in partnership with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority and CWM Contracting Limited, brought together queens, traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the palace of the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Joachim Ajibola, to deepen their understanding of palace ethics, leadership responsibilities and community development.
The programme underscores Omoleye’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises of strengthening traditional institutions by equipping royal wives with the knowledge, skills and values required to complement their husbands’ leadership and contribute meaningfully to the progress of their communities.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker explained that the increasing demands of traditional leadership made it necessary to empower queens with the appropriate knowledge of palace administration, ethical conduct and their responsibilities within the traditional institution.
He noted that the initiative was informed by observations of existing gaps in palace administration and was designed to provide the queens with practical guidance on their roles, entitlements and the benefits available to traditional institutions from government and their communities.
Omoleye charged the participants to see their positions as opportunities to promote peace, unity and development, urging them to draw inspiration from distinguished royal wives whose contributions to their communities earned them lasting recognition.
He expressed confidence that the training would enhance the capacity of the queens to support their husbands, strengthen palace administration and become more active partners in community development.
QUEENS AS PILLARS OF EFFECTIVE TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP
Delivering a lecture, the former Regent of Ilasha-Ekiti and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Princess Jolaade Onipede, described queens as indispensable partners in the success of traditional rulers, noting that their conduct and relationships within the palace could significantly influence the stability, reputation and effectiveness of the traditional institution.
She urged the queens to uphold integrity, humility, patience, tolerance, compassion, hospitality and respect, describing these qualities as essential for managing royal households and maintaining harmonious relationships with palace chiefs, family members and other community stakeholders.
Onipede cautioned against betrayal, conspiracy and conduct capable of undermining the authority of monarchs, stressing that the position of an Olori demanded discretion, diplomacy, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility.
She also advised the queens to exercise caution in allowing outsiders into sensitive palace affairs, emphasising that their actions should protect the dignity, security and integrity of the traditional institution.
According to her, successful palace administration requires the collective commitment of monarchs and their wives, particularly in managing disagreements and navigating sensitive issues that may arise within the royal household.
BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY IN ROYAL HOUSEHOLDS
In another lecture, Sir Olusola Omodara highlighted the administrative responsibilities of queens, including ensuring the smooth running of royal households, guiding their children’s education, supervising domestic staff and managing the private affairs of the royal family.
He encouraged the participants to approach these responsibilities with discipline, accountability and sound judgement, noting that effective household management would complement the traditional leadership duties of their husbands.
MONARCHS COMMEND OMOLEYE’S INITIATIVE
Declaring the programme open, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Adebayo Adewole, who spoke on behalf of monarchs in the constituency, commended Omoleye for introducing the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the capacity of queens and improve their contributions to traditional institutions.
The monarch assured the participants of the support of their royal fathers in applying the knowledge acquired during the training, expressing optimism that the initiative would foster greater cooperation within palaces and improve relationships between traditional institutions and their communities.
He also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, towards the programme.
Earlier, the host Olori of Ojurin-Ekiti, Christiana Ajibola, praised the initiative for recognising the significant but often understated responsibilities of queens in supporting monarchs who regularly face public expectations, criticism, confrontations and other challenges associated with traditional leadership.
She noted that queens provide vital emotional support, help maintain stability within the home and assist their husbands in navigating the demands of public service.
Olori Ajibola expressed appreciation to Omoleye for creating a platform where queens could share experiences, learn from experts and acquire additional knowledge to strengthen their capacity to support their husbands and the traditional institutions they represent.
PARTICIPANTS SEEK EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAMME
Some of the participants, including Olori Bola Aladejare of Efon Alaaye, Olori Abike Ajewole of Ijero and Olori Funmilola Oladele of Ipole Iloro-Ekiti, described the training as timely, impactful and beneficial.
They expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would improve their understanding of palace ethics, strengthen their administrative abilities and enable them to contribute more effectively to peace, unity and development in their respective communities.
The queens also called for the programme to be sustained and expanded to accommodate more participants, noting that wider coverage would enable additional members of the traditional institution to benefit from the initiative.
With the programme, Hon. Biodun Omoleye has further demonstrated his commitment to investing in the capacity of traditional institutions, recognising that empowered queens, effective palace administration and responsible traditional leadership are important ingredients for peaceful communities and sustainable development across Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II.
