Member of Parliament Hon. Kabiru has paid tribute to the late Tolon Naa, Retired Major Sulemana, describing him as a highly tolerant traditional ruler who welcomed people across Ghana’s political divide.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Kabiru said the late chief was unique for his ability to embrace supporters of different political parties without allowing partisan differences to affect his traditional leadership.
According to him, the late Tolon Naa was one of the few chiefs whose palace regularly welcomed delegations from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“The fallen man is the only chief you will find that different political parties will be visiting in his palace. Then he will join them in celebration,” Hon. Kabiru stated.
He explained that whenever an NDC delegation visited the palace, the late chief would participate in their activities with the same enthusiasm he showed when an NPP delegation visited.
“If you are NDC delegation coming to his palace, he will join the celebration as if he was a member of the NDC. If you are an NPP delegation coming to his palace, he will join the celebration as if he was a member of the NPP,” he said.
A Symbol of Political Tolerance
Hon. Kabiru noted that videos of the late chief participating in political songs and celebrations frequently circulated on social media.
He said the late Tolon Naa could be seen joining NDC and NPP supporters, as well as young people and members of the community, in celebrations despite their political differences.
“He was very tolerant,” Hon. Kabiru said, adding that the late chief’s conduct reflected the spirit of the constitutional provision that prevents chiefs from engaging in active partisan politics.
According to him, the late traditional ruler demonstrated through his actions that chiefs could maintain neutrality while still interacting cordially with people from all political backgrounds.
“The fact that the Constitution has provided that chiefs should not be engaged in active partisan politics, this man demonstrated that particular provision of the Constitution,” he stated.
Condolences to the People of Tolon
Hon. Kabiru also used the opportunity to extend his condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Tolon and the wider community.
He said his remarks were also made on behalf of Members of Parliament and the people of Ghana.
He particularly conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of Warabari to the people of Tolon following the death of the respected traditional ruler.
He concluded by wishing the late Tolon Naa eternal rest and peace.
The tributes from Members of Parliament highlight the late Retired Major Sulemana’s reputation as a traditional ruler who sought to unite people beyond political, social and partisan differences.
