Palace queens, popularly known as Oloris, from Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II have been trained on palace administration, ethical conduct, conflict management and community development.
The programme, titled “Empowerment and Ethical Training for Palace Queens,” was organised by the member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, Hon. Biodun Omoleye.
The training was held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Palace Hall, Ijurin-Ekiti, in collaboration with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority and CWM Contracting Limited.
It was designed to strengthen the capacity of Oloris to support traditional rulers, promote peaceful coexistence and improve their contributions to decision-making and grassroots governance.
Speaking at the event, Omoleye said the initiative followed his observations of challenges confronting traditional institutions and the need to improve women’s involvement in palace administration.
“The palace is an important level of governance that requires cooperation, unity and effective administration to promote development in towns and villages,” Omoleye said.
He said Oloris play critical roles in palace management, public relations, community security and preservation of cultural values and should be recognised and empowered to perform effectively.
He urged the Oloris to guide their children away from drug abuse and harmful activities while encouraging education, vocational skills and responsible living, adding that peaceful homes would enable traditional rulers to concentrate on development.
Declaring the programme open, the Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole II, commended Omoleye for the initiative, saying it would benefit not only the Oloris but also traditional rulers and their communities.
“This programme will give palace queens a better understanding of their responsibilities and equip them with the knowledge needed to improve palace administration,” the monarch said.
He praised the resource persons, particularly Princess Jolade Onipede, a former regent and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, whom he described as experienced in traditional leadership, public administration and diplomacy.
One of the facilitators, retired Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Sir Joseph Olusola Omodara, urged the Oloris to maintain peaceful relationships with their husbands and other palace authorities.
“The Oloris are important pillars of support for traditional rulers. They should contribute to maintaining peace in the palace and provide relevant security information to help address challenges within their communities,” Omodara said.
A participant, Olori Bola Aladejare of Efon-Alaaye, described the training as beneficial.
“We should take things easy with one another and respect the elder Oloris we met in the palace because they started the work before us, and we only came to join them,” she said.
Another participant, Olori Abike Adewole of Ajero Kingdom, said the combination of ethical training and empowerment would help Oloris understand their roles and promote peace within palaces.
Also speaking, Olori Fumilola Olatoun Oladele of Olupole-Iluoro, said the training was a valuable opportunity and expressed hope that similar programmes would continue to strengthen the capacity of palace queens.
The event underscored the importance of women in traditional institutions as partners in community development, cultural preservation, family stability and grassroots governance.