Get Ready for criticism If you Want good democracy, Alaafin tells Nigerian leaders
Segun Showunmi in Ibadan
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has called on Nigerian leaders to get ready for criticism in order to have a true democracy in the country.
Penpushing reports that the monarch made this call on Tuesday when the new leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.
The monarch while receiving the leadership of the union noted that ‘for us to have a true democracy in Nigeria, our political and traditional leaders at all level must be able to stand criticism’, adding that it is just unfortunate that most of our leaders don’t like criticism.
“Our leaders, either political or traditional must be able to take criticism if we really want good democracy in Nigeria, no where in the world that is running the type of constitution we are runing in Nigeria, when people criticize me, I sit down and think if what they are criticizing me for is true or false, and I adjust.”
Penpushing further reports that the first class monarch lauded the efforts of journalists in the country towards the development of the nation despite the danger attached to their job, saying that the media as the 4th estate of realms has make tremendous impact in moving the country forward.
“I have also benefited and make name through the media, am aware of what you faced during the course of discharging your duty, many journalist have been castigated and even detained”,Adeyemi stated
Penpushing also reports that earlier in his remark, the chairman of the union, Ademola Babalola thanked the monarch for his support towards upholding the image of Yoruba nation, saying that Alaafin has been a pillar of support to journalist in the state right from the inception.
“No journalist in Oyo State has not passed through this palace in one time or the other for one story or research, the fatherly role you have been giving to journalists in the last few decades ago is much appreciated.”
Penpushing reports that, Babalola pointed out that the purpose of the courtesy call was to notify t he monarch concerning the 100 days in office of the new executive of the union, adding that “that is why we decided to paid a royal homage to the Alaafin in appreciation towards his support for the union, and to receive a royal blessing upon the programs lined up for the 100 days in office celebration.”
“We were elected in December 18, 2019, and we will be celebrating our 100 days in office in the next ten days, we thanked the Alaafin for providing the kind of leadership Nigeria needed particularly for the Yoruba Nation.”
Penpushing reports that the number one journalists in Oyo State noted that some traditional rulers in Yoruba land have been relegated to the background, but Alaafin has keep the image of Yoruba nation flying in the world.
The Chairman sought regular support of the royal father, assuring that the new executive of the union is equally prepared to revive the image of the union for better.
