Daud Olatunji
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed grave concerns over the state of traditional rulership in Nigeria, lamenting that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.
Obasanjo made this assertion in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week.
According to the former president, the rapid proliferation of traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing, has led to the deterioration of the institution.
He bemoaned the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once upheld the dignity of royal offices, warning that this neglect has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” Obasanjo stated.
He noted that instead of being custodians of culture and justice, some traditional rulers have engaged in disgraceful acts that further damage the country’s already fragile system. He cited the example of a monarch involved in electoral malpractice.
“This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he queried.
Obasanjo reflected on the past, when traditional rulers commanded honor and respect, particularly during the colonial and early post-independence periods.
He regretted that such standards have now been lost.
“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted,” he said.
Calling for urgent reforms, the former president stressed the need to restore the lost dignity and value of traditional leadership in Nigeria.
He argued that instead of being a burden, traditional rulers should serve as key contributors to national development.
“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability,” he declared.
Obasanjo further emphasized the need for moral rejuvenation among traditional rulers, particularly those with deep historical significance.
He insisted that if properly repositioned, they could play a crucial role in achieving Nigeria’s long-term aspirations.
“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers – the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all,” he concluded.
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