Kwara stakeholder appeals for Onira of Ira’s first class upgrade, cites historical imbalance

A stakeholder in Kwara State, Dr. S.B. Olarinoye, has appealed to the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to approve the elevation of the Onira of Ira to First Class status, citing what he described as a historical imbalance in the recognition of traditional rulers.

In an open letter to the governor, Olarinoye said the Ira community has waited for over two decades for the upgrade of its monarch, noting that several traditional rulers who were once on the same Second Class status have since been elevated.

He described the situation as a matter of fairness and equity, stressing that the continued delay has raised concerns among indigenes of the community who believe their traditional institution deserves comparable recognition.

Olarinoye further highlighted Ira as an ancient town with a rich cultural heritage and a peaceful population, adding that the traditional institution has consistently contributed to maintaining unity and supporting development within the community.

According to him, upgrading the Onira of Ira would help address the perceived imbalance, strengthen ties between the government and the people, and restore a sense of dignity to the Ira traditional institution.

He expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, urging him to consider the appeal with fairness in the overall interest of balanced development across the state.