Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, saying that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.
The former president said the rapid proliferation of
traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing,
has led to the deterioration of traditional institutions in the country.
Obasanjo, who stated this in one of his newly released book,
Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week, bemoaned the
abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once
upheld the dignity of royal offices, stressing that this neglect has
contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts,
vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.”
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 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, saying 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.”
While calling for urgent reforms, the former president
stressed the need to restore traditional leadership’s lost dignity and value in
Nigeria.
He argued that traditional rulers should serve as key
contributors to national development instead of being a burden.
“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 be
crucial 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.”