The Kwara State Government has launched an investigation into the non-payment of salaries and emoluments to the Oba of Jebba, Oba Abdulkadir Adebara, in Moro Local Government Area of the state for the past 21 years.
This revelation was made by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Bata, during a press briefing on Monday.
According to Bata, successive governments in Kwara State have failed to pay the salaries of the 103-year-old monarch, who has been on the throne for over 21 years, despite a state High Court judgment ordering the upgrade and payment of the monarch's salaries.
The commissioner explained that the issue of non-payment of the Oba's salary is a long-standing problem inherited by the current administration led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. He assured that the governor is aware of the problem and has directed the ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly to find a lasting solution.
Bata also revealed that the state government has made funds available to pay some ungraded chiefs in the state. In the last month alone, no fewer than 500 chiefs in both Kwara Central and Kwara North Senatorial zones were identified and paid their emoluments.
Additionally, 150 chiefs were identified in Kaiama Emirate, with equal numbers identified in the three Emirates in Edu Local Government and one Emirate in Patigi Local Government.
