likeAs Nigerians mark this year’s Democracy day,the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa in Oriade local government area of Osun State,Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya the second has called on all and sundry to work towards sustaining the efforts of our heroes past on achieving democratic rule.
In his Democracy day message, the foremost traditional ruler noted that we need to salute the courage and dedication of men and women who suffered intimidations and persecutions of our popular will that is known today as democracy.
According to him,exactly 28 years ago, Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, class and regional affiliations, stood with one voice with their votes during the June 12, 1993 elections.
Therefore what we are witnessing today as Democratic Rule would not have been possible if the June 12 election annulment had not elicited resistance and resolute demonstrations against the military regimes.
The foremost traditional ruler emphasised that it is the responsibility of all to consolidate democracy in the country.
Oba Arowotawaya opined that the fact that we have still maintained togetherness in our cultural diversity over the years is a true statement that the laborious efforts of our founding fathers have not gone down the drain.
He however called for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity noting that there must be political will that transcends political parties or administration to deal with all forms of immediate and foreseen security threats.
While congratulating the people of Erinmo Ijesa in particular and Osun State in general on this year democracy day celebration, the monarch assured them to look forward to a better Nigeria which would once again flow with milk and honey.
It is a great pleasure to join Nigeria and the Erinmo Ijesa kingdom in celebration of this year 2021 democracy day. As the word democracy connote and of course in its meaning is a form of government in which the people exercise their governing power either directly or through representative periodically elected by them. Therefore, this information us that democracy provides institutions for the expression and supremacy of the people or popular will on basic issues bordering on sociopolitical decisions and policy-making. Haven said this, the beauty of democracy entails the following if it is embraced.
Political liberty is an indispensable factor of which it showcase the equal rights of all normal adults to vote and to stand as candidates for elections, periodic electios, and equal eligibility for political offices.
Value of individual personality: the belief in the value of individual personality is restored. It implies the need to respect the other man, to listen to his arguments and to take into account his point of view.
National wealth:disparity in the distribution of national wealth is progressively reduced.
Universal adult suffrage: this was properly embraced, as said earlier in kabiyesi Elerinmo addressed whereby adult citizens showcase their rights to vote in 1993 presidential election.
Rule of law is another characteristics that charaterized democracy of which no one should above the law.
Also,separation of power by the three organs of government should be done both in functions and in personnel, by so doing our democracy future will stand firm. More so, supremacy of constitution, our constitution should be supreme and above every other consideration in any political system. Furthermore, fundamental human rights, the right of individuals should be promoted and guaranteed. Lastly,provision of opportunities, democracy provides opportunities for an individual to develop his or her personality. It provides access to knowledge and free education security against unemployment, fair working conditios, leisure. It also allows the individual to have a say in his place of work and to guard against economic slavery.Freedom of press,independence of the judiciary, free association and group, political parties e.t.c. all the afformention attributes need to be properly addressed and fixed into our modern day democracy for better Nigeria.
God bless Nigeria
God bless state of Osun
God bless Erinmo Ijesa.