The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, has called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria, saying monarchs possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national security but lack the legal framework to function effectively.
The monarch made the remarks on Sunday while receiving the new leadership of the Osun Online Publishers Association at his palace in Kuta.
The visit, which was aimed at informing the royal father about the association’s leadership change and appreciating his support as its patron, also featured discussions on insecurity, governance and the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s democratic structure.
Speaking on the growing security challenges in the Southwest, Oba Oyelude said the rising wave of insecurity had long been anticipated, expressing confidence that both the Federal Government and governors in the region were making efforts to address the situation.
According to him, beyond approving security budgets, there is an urgent need for proper coordination and the deployment of modern technology to combat insecurity.
The monarch stressed that the use of drones and surveillance equipment would reduce the risks faced by security personnel and improve intelligence gathering. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
“If you see something, say something. Security issues should never be politicised under any disguise,” the monarch said.
Oba Oyelude further noted that state governments have limited authority over federal security agencies, explaining that governors do not have direct control over police commissioners or military commanders operating within their states.
He therefore advocated the strengthening of regional security outfits such as Amotekun Corps across Southwest states, while urging the Federal Government to complement local efforts with advanced security infrastructure and technology.
The traditional ruler also lamented what he described as the erosion of the constitutional relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria. According to him, monarchs currently wield influence without real legal authority.
“No monarch has real power again; what we have today are influential monarchs,” he stated, adding that traditional rulers are not expressly recognised in the Nigerian Constitution despite their closeness to the grassroots.
Oba Oyelude argued that the absence of constitutional roles for monarchs has weakened community-based intelligence gathering and local security management. He recalled that in the past, community leaders and village heads played active roles in monitoring movements within their domains before modern governance structures diminished those responsibilities.
The monarch disclosed that traditional rulers across the country have continued to engage government authorities through the National Council of Traditional Rulers and various state councils in pursuit of constitutional recognition.
He subsequently called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite legislative action that would formally include traditional rulers in the constitution.
Oba Oyelude also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognise traditional institutions as vital partners in national development and security management.
According to him, empowering traditional rulers with constitutional backing would strengthen grassroots governance, improve intelligence gathering and enhance efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
Advertisement