Traditional rulers across Nigeria have renewed calls for a constitutionally defined role in governance, stressing that their contributions to peace, unity, and community development deserve formal recognition.
The call was made at the opening session of the National Executive Committee Meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held on Monday at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Hosting the meeting, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described traditional institutions as “the moral compass and cultural conscience of the nation,” adding that no government can thrive without their support.
“Long before modern governance took shape, our traditional institutions were the bedrock of stability, justice, and social order,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Here in Lagos, we know that no government can thrive without the support of its traditional institutions. When traditional leaders are clearly woven into our governance framework, their authority becomes a valuable asset for fostering peace, resolving conflicts, and driving development.”
He emphasised that traditional rulers should be formally integrated into Nigeria’s governance system, saying their influence remains strong but constitutionally undefined.
Delivering the keynote address, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, traced the historical recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance structure, particularly under the 1963 Republican Constitution, when Houses of Chiefs existed across regions.
“Our traditional rulers once held a defined place in Nigeria’s constitutional order,” Uzodimma said. “They continue to perform roles parallel to the executive, legislative, and judicial arms — yet without legal recognition. The absence of a constitutional role is a gap that must be filled.”
He cited Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia as examples of African democracies where traditional institutions are constitutionally secured, urging Nigeria to adopt a similar framework.
“This is not a demand for privilege, but for clarity — formalising a partnership that already exists. The marriage between our traditional institutions and the state is real; the only thing missing is the certificate,” Uzodimma said.
The Co-Chairman of NCTRN and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for unity, patriotism, and prayers for the nation’s leaders, saying that dialogue and cooperation remain the best paths to progress.
“Despite the challenges facing our country, we must continue to support the government in love and togetherness,” the Sultan said. “Traditional rulers are peacebuilders. We must use our influence to calm tensions, strengthen unity, and promote justice.”
The two-day meeting, themed “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria,” was attended by governors from Ekiti, Edo, Imo, Cross River, Kogi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Yobe States, as well as prominent monarchs including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi.
Resolutions from the meeting are expected to strengthen the push for constitutional reform and institutional collaboration between traditional rulers and the three tiers of government.