Leadership prowess determines the level of development of a community. In a bid to further attract more Developments to Ilupeju Ekiti- a 70 percent self help community in Ekiti state, Nigeria, on 11th February, 2023, Ilupeju Development Association ( IDA) organized a workshop for the king, Obanla, Apeju- In -council, chiefs and leaders of Associations/ clubs in the town titled “STRATEGIC ROLES OF TRADITIONAL AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY”
The Chairman of the workshop committee, Mr Sola Ogunmiluyi, retired Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State government while given his opening speech said that the workshop was timely, germane and would help in no small measure to reposition the town to greatness that would be an envy of other towns in Ekiti state .
Mr Ogunmiluyi affirmed that the workshop was the first in Ekiti State having worked several years in the Bureau of Chieftancy Affairs,Ado Ekiti,Ekiti State. He said no community has organized such a workshop.
Dr Francis Ibimiluyi from Ekiti State University and Mr A. V Adeleye, a Director, Bureau of Chieftancy Affairs Ekiti State succinctly dissects the topic.
The first resource person, Dr. Ibimiluyi said community development was a process that required the active participation of every member of the community before Development could be achieved. He added that a viable and pragmatic leaders are needed for effective coordinations.
Dr Ibimiluyi While defining community Development according to UN 1948 said ,” Community Development is the activity of individuals getting together to take collective action and give common solutions to issues and challenges facing the Community, that is, it refers to the actions made by Community leaders, concerned persons and other stakeholders to raise the standard of living of the community.”
He highlighted some objectives of Community Development to includes among others:
Helps reduce poverty, strengthen strong Democratic values to take decisions that would be beneficial to the community, foster group participation, solve community challenges and strengthen cordial relationship.
The resource person Further stressed that a community leader is a : doer, a motivator, a facilitator and an influencer who is ready to work for the wellbeing of his community and nsure cohesiveness of the community. Adding that for the community leader to achieve his/ her set goals, he must be longing to acquire more knowledge, strengthen his planning, organising, communication and interactive skills. Also, he pointed out that leaders integrity, honesty and missions for the community must not be in doubt.
Similarly, the second resource person, Mr A.V Adeleye enlightened Ilupeju Community on the appointment of a king, regent and chiefs based on Chieftancy declaration law of Ekiti State.
According to Director Adeleye, ” After completion of the burial rites of the deceased king, wide consultations are done with the ruling house to ascertain who is fit to be enthroned while the kingmakers write through Local Government for Government approval to commence selection process, saying the State Government through the Bureau of Chieftancy Affairs will consider the request and give necessary directives and approval to the Local Government”
He stressed that after approval, the Local Government/ Secretary to traditional Council shall direct the ruling house within 14 days to nominate and present the candidate to the kingmakers with evidence of all the meetings who in turn within 3 days forward to the Local Government who later forward the names of the nominees to the state for final approval and presentation of staff and instrument of office after which the coronation can be done .
On the regent, Mr Adeleye averred that the law recognized the eldest daughter of the deceased King. He however reiterated 3 years imprisonment as penalties for illegal occupation of the stool.
Earlier, Dr Femi Babalola, the President of Ilupeju Development Association had explained contents of the constitution, itsimportance and presented to those present at the workshop. He reiterated the importance of IDA body towards the growth and development of Ilupeju Ekiti.
Also, there were Goodwill messages from: Chief Banji Ogungbe , High Chief (Mrs) Florence Fasanmi, Eyelobinrin, Chief Esan Ogunleye and elder Femi Ogunluyi .
Among Dignitaries at the workshop were : HRM Oba David Sunday Awe Akingbade who prayed for his subjects, appreciated them for the workshop. The Obanla, High Chief Sunday Ogunsola, Oloja Odo Egosi, Chief Amos Ogunbiyi, Chief PB Ayeleso, Oluare, High Chief Nurudeen Bakare, Oloja Iloro, High Chief Muyiwa Aduloju, Iyaloja of Ilupeju Ekiti, Chief Mrs Adegun, Eyeki, Chief Mrs Ogunleye, Prince Gbenga Oni, IDA Executives from the 36 states of the federation among others.