The regent of Iboropa Kingdom in Ondo State, Tinuade Babalola has decried poor salaries given to traditional rulers, especially regents by the state government.
She added that N40,000 was her highest remuneration as regent paid by the Ondo State government.
The regent decried the lack of an official car or compensation after her regency in an interview with our correspondent in Ondo on Sunday.
She said: “Ondo State regents are paid N50,000. Personally, at some point, I got N20,000 to N30,000 as pay and N40,000 being the highest I was paid during my reign.
“A regent is supposed to be an interim Oba in the real sense of it. She is to enjoy all the honours and privileges attached to the office of the Oba but the reverse is the case as regents don’t enjoy all the privileges attached to the office”.
Tinuade, who served as regent of the community between February 2015 and December 2021, added that no compensation from the government after regency.
“A regent who ruled for two to 15 years and a new king emerges, what should be her fate?” Isn’t the government supposed to make proper arrangements for an easy transition for her coupled with the fact that the crown is permanent and as such the regent maintains her title as a regent.
“A person who has been revered, a representative of the gods and her people suddenly turns to a second-class citizen without compensation to cushion the effects of the transition”, she said.
Tinuade added that if government officials can get compensation after their tenure in office, regents also deserve such too.
According to her, this would serve as a complement to start up a business and move on with ease.
She, however, advised government to put into consideration female kings and provide action plans suitable for their existence.
She further described her journey as a regent not to be smooth.
Tinuade was crowned at age 16 in 2015 after the transition of her father, Oluboropa of Iboropa Kingdom, Oba Ayowole Emmanuel Babalola.
She disclosed it was at this time she gained admission into Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.
“It was a very significant phase of my life and the journey wasn’t smooth”, she recalled.
Explaining her driving force, she referred to her mother, Queen Olusola Owonade Adejuyigbe as her motivation, as well as family members and friends.
The regent disclosed as part of her effort in community development, she has been able to provide food palliative for her kingdom, especially, during the COVID-19 period.
