Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concerns over the current process of selecting traditional rulers in Nigeria, highlighting the alarming infiltration of criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers into these esteemed positions.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled last week, Obasanjo lamented the rapid rise of traditional rulers who lack the necessary training, integrity, and moral foundation. He argued that this has led to the degradation of traditional institutions across the country.
He noted, “Today, we have criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” emphasizing how this erosion of values has further harmed Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Obasanjo criticized the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system, once integral to upholding the dignity of royal offices, and pointed out how this neglect has worsened Nigeria’s broader challenges.
Rather than serving as guardians of culture and justice, Obasanjo stated that some traditional rulers have been involved in shameful activities that only deepen the country’s troubles. He cited an incident where a monarch was caught engaging in electoral malpractice.
“How do we explain a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at a polling station and running away with it?” he asked, expressing his disappointment at this breach of trust.
Reflecting on the past, the former president recalled a time when traditional rulers commanded respect and dignity, particularly during the colonial era and early post-independence years. However, he noted that such respect has since been diluted and tarnished.
“The class of traditional rulers, with their distinction, honor, and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted,” he observed.
Obasanjo called for urgent reforms to restore the lost dignity and value of traditional leadership. He argued that traditional rulers should be seen as assets in the nation’s development rather than liabilities.
“There is a need to bring back the dignity, aura, and respect for traditional rulers. They should be assets to Nigeria’s development and greatness, not liabilities,” he declared.
He also emphasized the importance of moral rejuvenation, particularly among the ancient and historically significant traditional rulers. According to Obasanjo, if properly repositioned, these leaders could play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“There is a need for moral re-armament among traditional rulers. They can and should contribute meaningfully to the Nigeria of our dreams, one that serves the purpose and interests of all,” he concluded.
