LAGOS — President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind calls for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, describing them as the most enduring and trusted link between government and the people.
Tinubu, represented by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, made the declaration on Monday at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Lagos, with the theme, “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in the Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria.”
The President said that although traditional rulers had continued to play vital roles in ensuring peace, stability, and social cohesion, their lack of formal constitutional recognition remained a major gap in the country’s governance system.
“Across the country, our traditional rulers carry out essential responsibilities that keep our communities united and functional, mediating conflicts, preserving culture, and maintaining order,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that Nigeria’s traditional rulers once had constitutionally recognised roles under the 1963 Republican Constitution, which provided them legislative participation and advisory relevance, lamenting that subsequent constitutions stripped them of such authority.
“This is not a question of nostalgia but one of institutional continuity. Our royal fathers are still doing the work; what they need is formal recognition by law,” the President stated.
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to take steps towards restoring constitutional roles for the traditional institution, noting that other African countries such as Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia had successfully embedded traditional leadership into their governance structures without undermining democracy.
“The marriage between governance and tradition is real. The only thing missing is the certificate,” he said, stressing that legal backing would only strengthen an institution that already contributes immensely to grassroots stability and nation-building.
While reiterating the importance of neutrality in politics, Tinubu advised traditional rulers to remain above partisan divides, saying their moral authority must not be compromised.
In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as timely and significant, saying traditional rulers have always been the custodians of the nation’s values and the bridge between the people and government.
“Long before modern governance took shape, our traditional rulers were the bedrock of stability and justice. Even today, no government can thrive without their support,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor recalled the historical resistance of monarchs to colonial oppression, citing the examples of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi of Benin, King Jaja of Opobo, and Chief Ogedengbe of Ilesha, adding that democracy provides a new opportunity to restore the relevance of traditional institutions.
“Lagos will continue to support every move toward giving constitutional backing to the traditional institution,” he assured.
Chairman of the NCTRN and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended President Tinubu for recognising the importance of the traditional system in national development.
He expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for stronger institutional recognition of traditional rulers and urged them to sustain their roles in promoting peace, unity, and security across the country.
