Governors, monarchs renew push for constitutional role of Traditional rulers

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma, have renewed calls for constitutional recognition of Nigeria’s traditional rulers, describing them as vital partners in governance and national stability.

The two governors spoke in Lagos during the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), attended by 10 governors, royal fathers, and dignitaries from across the country.

Themed “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in the Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria,” the meeting focused on redefining the relevance of traditional leadership in the modern democratic structure.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Uzodimma said traditional rulers remain the most enduring link between government and the grassroots and deserve constitutional recognition for their crucial roles in conflict mediation, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation.

“Our royal fathers are still doing the work; what they need is formal recognition by law,” Uzodimma said.

He urged the National Assembly to emulate countries like Ghana and South Africa that have constitutionally entrenched traditional institutions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described traditional rulers as the custodians of culture and moral authority, noting that no government can thrive without their cooperation.

“Long before modern governance took shape, our traditional rulers were the bedrock of stability and justice,” he said.

He called on monarchs to remain impartial and united, adding that democracy now provides an opportunity to restore their institutional relevance weakened by years of military rule.

Sanwo-Olu observed the relevance of traditional institutions diminished during the military incursion in societal politics, dealing a blow to the traditional institutions.

He said the military rule significantly eroded the laudable roles traditional rulers had played in shaping the nation and its cherished traditions.

“With the restoration of democracy in the country since 1999, our traditional rulers are gradually asserting themselves back into national consciousness. But we are not yet there. I advise that our traditional rulers continue to push for more constitutionally-backed relevance.

“This is the right thing to do, and we promise to support this push because we believe we need to tap from the experience and wisdom of our traditional rulers to make more progress.

“This meeting presents a unique chance to push for clarity; not for the sake of prestige, but for practical reasons. When traditional leaders are clearly woven into our governance framework, their authority can become a valuable asset for fostering peace, resolving conflicts and driving community development.

As our nation grapples with complex social, economic, and security issues, it is crucial that we tap into the wisdom and influence of our royal fathers in a coordinated and structured way,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu encouraged the monarchs to continue to be steadfast pillars of integrity, fairness, and unity. The Governor said the communities looked to the traditional institutions not just as cultural symbols, but as moral guides.

Voices of traditional leaders, Sanwo-Olu said, hold significant power when calling for peace, equity and progress, adding that their actions touch hearts and shape futures.

“Let us collaborate to ensure that our traditional institutions stay impartial, inclusive, and in sync with the broader vision of a just and thriving Nigeria,” Lagos State Governor said.

Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the NCTRN, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to national unity and urged traditional rulers to sustain their efforts in promoting peace and security across the country.

The event drew an array of royal fathers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu (represented); and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi. Governors from Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Kogi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Yobe States also attended.