Sanwo-Olu, Uzodimma call for constitutional role for traditional rulers

By Kayode Olopade 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Imo State counterpart,Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday called for constitutional recognition and greater inclusion of Nigeria’s traditional rulers in governance, describing them as indispensable custodians of peace, culture, and stability.

The governors made the call at the National Executive Committee Meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In his welcome address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended traditional rulers for their historical and continuing contributions to national development, saying their wisdom and influence remain vital to governance and community peace.

“Throughout our nation’s history, traditional rulers have served as the vital link between government and the people,” Sanwo-Olu said. “They are the trusted bridge that connects state institutions with community realities.”

The Lagos governor described the theme of the meeting as “timely and relevant,” adding that Lagos State has long recognized the indispensable role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and development.

“No government can thrive without the support of its traditional institutions,” he said. “Our administration works hand-in-hand with the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs to bring peace, security, and development to our communities.”

Tracing the historical significance of monarchs from pre-colonial through post-independence Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu lamented how military rule “eroded the laudable roles” of traditional institutions but expressed optimism that democracy had created room for their revival.

He cited figures such as Oba Ovonramwen of Benin, King Jaja of Opobo, Nana Olomu, Chief Ogedengbe of Ilesha, and Emir Muhammadu Attahiru I of Sokoto as examples of traditional rulers who fought for Nigeria’s dignity and independence.

Sanwo-Olu called on royal fathers to continue pushing for constitutional backing and remain impartial moral guides to the nation.

“When traditional leaders are clearly woven into our governance framework, their authority becomes a valuable asset for peace, conflict resolution, and community development,” he said.

“We will continue to support the advocacy for a constitutionally recognised role for traditional institutions in line with the changing landscape of governance and nation-building.

Delivering his keynote address titled “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria,” Uzodimma said it was time for Nigeria to legally recognise the roles traditional rulers already play in national stability and grassroots governance.

 “Across the country, traditional rulers continue to carry out responsibilities that are essential to the stability, cohesion, and governance of our communities,” Uzodimma said. “But these responsibilities remain informal, acknowledged in principle but not secured by law.”

He lamented that unlike during the First Republic when traditional rulers had constitutional and legislative roles, the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions stripped them of such recognition, leaving them with only advisory status “defined not by law but by the discretion of government.”

The Imo governor cited examples from other African democracies — Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia — which, he said, had successfully integrated traditional institutions into their governance structures without compromising republican ideals.

“If Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia, all with multi-ethnic, postcolonial histories, can give constitutional expression to their traditional institutions, why not Nigeria?” he asked.

Uzodimma stressed that traditional rulers remain “the first point of contact in moments of crisis” and “the last to retreat when disorder threatens stability,” noting that their influence derives from history and community trust, not political office.

He urged monarchs to maintain neutrality and moral authority by staying above partisan politics, saying:

 “You do not serve a party; you serve the people. That neutrality gives credibility to your counsel and dignity to your institution.”

The governor pledged his full support for any move to amend the constitution to restore the traditional institution’s statutory role, adding,

 “The time has come to make this right — not by creating a new role, but by giving legal status to what already exists. The marriage is real; the only thing missing is the certificate.”

The two-day meeting, attended by monarchs from across the country, provided a platform for the nation’s royal fathers to deliberate on ways to strengthen their relevance in Nigeria’s democratic framework