A member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, has organised an ethical training and empowerment programme for palace queens in the constituency to strengthen traditional institutions and promote grassroots development.
The programme, organised in partnership with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority and CWM Contracting Limited, focused on palace ethics, effective household administration and the roles of queens in promoting peace, unity and stability within traditional institutions.
Speaking at the programme, Omoleye said the initiative was part of his campaign promises to empower traditional institutions and equip palace queens with the knowledge and skills required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He noted that the increasing demands of palace administration made it imperative for queens to understand palace ethics, administrative procedures and their entitlements from government and their respective communities.
The lawmaker urged the participants to deploy their positions and influence to foster peace, unity and development, citing the enduring legacy of historical figures such as Moremi, whose contributions positively shaped their communities.
In her lecture, a former Regent of Ilasha-Ekiti and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Princess Jolaade Onipede, described queens as indispensable partners in the success of traditional rulers.
She said their conduct, character and relationships within the palace could significantly influence the stability, image and reputation of traditional institutions.
Onipede urged the queens to embrace integrity, humility, patience, tolerance, compassion, hospitality and respect, describing these virtues as essential to managing royal households and maintaining cordial relationships with palace chiefs, family members and other community stakeholders.
Another facilitator, Sir Olusola Omodara, highlighted the responsibilities of queens in managing royal households, supervising domestic staff, guiding their children’s education and ensuring the smooth running of family affairs.
Declaring the programme open, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Adebayo Adewole, commended Omoleye for the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the capacity of palace queens and enhance their contributions to traditional institutions.
The monarch also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, towards the programme and assured the participants of the support of their royal fathers in applying the knowledge acquired during the training.
Earlier, the host Olori of Ijurin-Ekiti, Christiana Afolabi, said the programme recognised the significant roles queens play in supporting monarchs and addressing the challenges associated with traditional leadership.
Afolabi, who expressed appreciation to Omoleye for organising the training, said it would help queens provide emotional support, promote stability within their homes and assist their husbands in managing the demands of public service.
Some participants, including Oloris Bola Aladejare of Efon-Alaaye, Abike Ajewole of Ijero and Funmilola Oladele of Ipole-Iloro, commended the lawmaker for the initiative.
They described the training as beneficial, noting that it had broadened their understanding of palace ethics and would strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to community development.
