A federal lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, has organised a capacity-building and empowerment workshop for palace queens across his constituency to strengthen traditional institutions, promote peace and enhance grassroots development.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) and CWM Contracting Limited, focused on palace ethics, effective home management and the roles of queens in promoting harmony and stability within royal households and their communities.
Speaking at the workshop, Omoleye said the initiative fulfilled his campaign promise to support traditional institutions and equip palace queens, popularly known as Oloris, with the knowledge and skills required to perform their royal responsibilities effectively.
He noted that the increasing demands of palace administration made it necessary for queens to understand royal ethics, administrative protocols and their entitlements from government and host communities.
The lawmaker urged the participants to use their positions and influence to promote unity, peace and development at the grassroots, citing the legacy of Queen Moremi Ajasoro as an example of selflessness and service to society.
In her keynote lecture, a former Regent of Ilasha-Ekiti and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Princess Jolaade Onipede, described palace queens as important partners in the success of traditional rulers.
She explained that their conduct, character and relationships within the palace could significantly influence the stability, public image and reputation of the monarchy.
Onipede urged the queens to uphold integrity, humility, patience, tolerance, compassion, hospitality and respect in their dealings with palace chiefs, family members and other community stakeholders.
Another resource person, Sir Olusola Omodara, highlighted the practical responsibilities of palace queens, including supervising domestic staff, managing royal households, guiding children’s education and coordinating family affairs.
Declaring the workshop open, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Adebayo Adewole, commended Omoleye for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to strengthen the capacity of palace queens and improve their contributions to traditional governance.The monarch also appreciated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, for supporting the programme and assured the participants of the support of traditional rulers in applying the knowledge acquired.Earlier, the host, Olori Christiana Afolabi of Ijurin-Ekiti, said the workshop recognised the important but often overlooked roles queens play in supporting their husbands and managing the demands of traditional leadership.She expressed confidence that the training would strengthen the queens’ ability to provide emotional support, maintain domestic stability and help their husbands navigate the responsibilities of public service.Some beneficiaries, including Olori Bola Aladejare of Efon-Alaaye, Olori Abike Ajewole of Ijero and Olori Funmilola Oladele of Ipole-Iloro, commended the lawmaker for the initiative.They described the workshop as enlightening and impactful, noting that it had improved their understanding of palace ethics and strengthened their capacity to contribute to community development and peacebuilding.
