Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concern over the infiltration of Nigeria’s traditional institutions by criminals, drug addicts, kidnappers, and other unscrupulous individuals. He warned that the decay in the selection process of traditional rulers has significantly weakened these institutions, which once served as custodians of culture and justice.
Obasanjo made these remarks in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week. He lamented that the dignity and honor once associated with traditional rulers have been eroded due to the appointment of individuals who lack moral standing and proper training.
“Criminals Now Wear Royal Crowns”
The former president did not mince words in his criticism of the current state of traditional leadership.
“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” he stated.
He noted that instead of acting as moral compasses for their communities, some traditional rulers have engaged in shameful acts that undermine the nation’s governance system.
Citing an example, Obasanjo questioned how a monarch could participate in electoral malpractice.
“How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he asked.
According to him, such disgraceful actions have contributed to Nigeria’s socio-political instability.
The Decline of Traditional Institutions
Obasanjo reflected on the past, when traditional rulers commanded great respect, particularly during colonial times and the early years of independence. He observed that these standards have deteriorated over the years.
“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honor, and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted,” he said.
He attributed this decline to the abandonment of the traditional apprenticeship and training system, which once ensured that only well-prepared individuals assumed leadership roles.
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Call for Urgent Reforms
Obasanjo urged the government and communities to take immediate steps to restore the lost dignity of traditional institutions. He stressed that traditional rulers should be contributors to national development rather than liabilities.
“That dignity, aura, and respect should be brought back, and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness, not a burden,” he declared.
He further called for moral renewal among traditional rulers, particularly those from ancient and historic lineages, emphasizing their potential to shape Nigeria’s future positively.
“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 stated.