Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the selection of traditional rulers in Nigeria, warning that individuals with questionable backgrounds, including criminals and drug users, have found their way into royal institutions.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled last week, Obasanjo criticized the increasing number of traditional rulers, many of whom, he argued, lack proper training and moral integrity. He attributed the decline of traditional institutions to this trend, lamenting the loss of the structured training and apprenticeship system that once preserved the dignity of royal leadership.
“Today, some so-called traditional rulers are involved in criminal activities, drug abuse, and other vices,” he said, stressing that rather than upholding cultural values and justice, some have engaged in unethical practices that undermine national stability.
He pointed to an example where a monarch was implicated in electoral malpractice. “It is disappointing that some traditional rulers contribute to the country’s problems. How do we justify a traditional leader snatching a ballot box during an election and running away with it?” he asked.
Reflecting on the past, Obasanjo recalled an era when traditional rulers commanded great respect, especially during colonial rule and the early years after independence. He lamented that those high standards have significantly deteriorated.
“The honor and distinction that once defined traditional rulers have faded. The class of revered leaders we once knew has been diluted and compromised,” he stated.
Calling for urgent reforms, the former president emphasized the need to restore the lost dignity of traditional leadership in Nigeria. He urged that traditional rulers should be instrumental in national development rather than becoming burdens to society.
“We must revive the dignity and respect associated with traditional leadership so that these rulers become assets to Nigeria’s progress instead of liabilities,” he said.
Obasanjo also underscored the need for a moral revival among traditional rulers, particularly those from historically significant backgrounds. He argued that if properly guided, they could play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“There is an urgent need for moral renewal among traditional rulers, especially those with deep historical roots. They have the potential to contribute meaningfully to building a Nigeria that serves the interests of all,” he concluded.
