President Bola Tinubu on Monday called for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, describing them as the “most enduring link” between government and the grassroots.
Tinubu, represented by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, made the call at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held in Lagos. The theme of the meeting was
“The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria.”
The President said despite lacking constitutional powers, traditional rulers have remained instrumental in sustaining peace, unity, and cultural preservation across the country.
“Across Nigeria, our traditional rulers continue to hold our communities together — mediating conflicts, preserving heritage, and promoting harmony,” Tinubu said. “This is not a matter of nostalgia but of institutional necessity. Our royal fathers are doing the work; what they need now is formal recognition by law.”
Tinubu noted that traditional institutions had defined roles under Nigeria’s early constitutional order, particularly in the 1963 Republican Constitution, but lamented that subsequent constitutions stripped them of formal relevance.
He therefore urged the National Assembly to revisit the issue and provide constitutional backing for their functions, citing examples from Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia where monarchs enjoy constitutional recognition without undermining democratic governance.
“The marriage between governance and tradition is real. The only thing missing is the certificate,” Tinubu said.
The President also cautioned monarchs against partisanship, warning that political involvement could erode the moral authority and public trust that sustain their influence.
Earlier, the host governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, commended the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining social order, describing them as “custodians of culture and conscience” whose influence remains vital to governance.
“Before modern government structures emerged, traditional rulers were the foundation of stability and justice. Even today, no administration can succeed without their support,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He traced the decline of traditional institutions to military rule but expressed optimism that democracy offers an opportunity for restoration.
“Our royal fathers must continue to push for constitutional relevance. Lagos will always stand behind this cause,” he added.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the NCTRN, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the traditional system.
He urged traditional rulers to deepen their collaboration with government in promoting peace, unity, and development.
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