Kehinde Fajobi
Discussions to create a constitutional role for traditional rulers in Nigeria gained momentum in Abuja yesterday, as governors and key traditional leaders established a committee tasked with drafting a bill for constitutional amendments.
This initiative emerged during the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Council of Traditional Rulers held at Aso Villa.
Chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the committee consists of 15 members, with its findings expected within a month.
Following the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar addressed the media, highlighting the discussions and next steps.
Governor Abiodun stated, “After a few remarks on that submission, the joint meeting of the governors and their royal majesties, his eminence and royal highnesses agreed that one of the proposed bills, as presented, should be circulated amongst all those present here today.”
He added that the joint committee’s aim is to ensure the document reflects the desires of those represented and to create a comprehensive report for submission to the National Assembly.
Abiodun emphasised the importance of formalising traditional rulers’ roles in governance, peace-building, and local security.
He noted, “We further deliberated also on the issues of peace and security, food security, and all other emerging threats. The participation of our traditional rulers was also, again, underscored.”
He acknowledged the experience and knowledge traditional rulers possess, saying, “They know their communities better than those of us in government that are higher up. They know the miscreants, they know the families of everybody, and they can better participate in community policing.”
Etsu Nupe Abubakar elaborated on the proposed bill, stating, “This is a meeting of first time of its kind that the joint meeting will take place between the governors and the traditional institution…we deliberated on solving issues, most especially the aspect of the constitutional role of traditional rulers in governance.”
He noted that the bill aims to reinforce traditional institutions through stable funding and non-partisanship.
Abubakar also mentioned that they have already submitted a bill to the National Assembly’s committee responsible for reviewing the 1999 constitution, addressing the structure and functions of traditional institutions, as well as safeguarding traditional rulers from political partisanship.
Notable traditional rulers present at the meeting included Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar III and Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also attended the gathering.