Tinubu says traditional rulers deserve a constitutional role

President Bola Tinubu says traditional rulers remain the most enduring link between government and the people and must be formally recognised within the governance framework.

Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, disclosed this at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) on Monday in Lagos.

The meeting has as a theme, “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in the Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria.”

The meeting brought together royal fathers from across the country to deliberate on the constitutional relevance of traditional leadership in modern governance.

Tinubu said that the traditional institution continued to perform crucial roles in promoting peace, cohesion, and stability, in spite of the absence of constitutional backing.

“Across the country, our traditional rulers carry out essential responsibilities that keep our communities united and functional; mediating conflicts, preserving culture, and maintaining order,” he said.

Tinubu recalled that traditional rulers had defined roles in the country’s early constitutional order, citing the 1963 Republican Constitution, which gave them legislative presence and participation in governance.

He lamented that the 1979 and 1999 constitutions failed to restore such recognition, leaving the institution to operate informally.

“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,” he said.

The president urged the National Assembly to revisit the issue, stressing that some African countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia had already constitutionally entrenched their traditional institutions without undermining democracy.

He described the traditional institution as indispensable to Nigeria’s unity and stability, adding that the time had come to grant legal backing to the functions traditional rulers already perform.

“The marriage between governance and tradition is real. The only thing missing is the certificate,” he said.

He, however, advised monarchs to remain neutral in politics, saying their moral authority and public trust were crucial to sustaining their influence and dignity.

Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said Lagos was honoured to host the assembly of cultural custodians whose wisdom and leadership continued to uphold the nation’s moral fabric.

Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as timely, noting that traditional institutions had always served as the trusted 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,” he said.

The governor recounted the historical contributions of monarchs who resisted colonial rule, including Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi of Benin, King Jaja of Opobo, and Chief Ogedengbe of Ilesha.

According to him, military intervention in governance weakened the traditional system, but democracy offers an opportunity for restoration.

“Our royal fathers must continue to push for constitutionally backed relevance. Lagos will always support this cause,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He urged the traditional rulers to remain impartial and united, emphasising their role as moral compasses and symbols of peace and integrity.

“We must ensure that our traditional institutions remain inclusive, impartial, and aligned with the vision of a just and thriving Nigeria,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of traditional rulers, pledging continued support for constitutional recognition of their roles in national development.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Chairman of the NCTRN, commended Tinubu for his commitment to national unity and expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to stronger institutional recognition for traditional rulers.

The Sultan urged traditional rulers to sustain their efforts in promoting peace and security in their domains, while describing their collaboration with the government as key to building a stable and prosperous nation.