Traditional Rulers Demand Constitutional Recognition

…Say Political Manipulations Undermining National Unity

By Christiana Ekpa

Traditional rulers across North West Zone of Nigeria have called on the National Assembly to accord them constitutional recognition in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, warning that the arbitrary creation of emirates, kingdoms and chiefdoms without historical or traditional legitimacy undermines national unity and governance.

The Traditional Rulers, in a presentation by His Highness, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, OFR, Emir of Gummi and Chairman, Coordinating Committee of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), at the North-West Centre B Public Hearing on the 2025 Constitutional Review by the House of Representatives in Sokoto, condemned what they described as politically motivated interference in traditional institutions.

The Royal fathers stated that such actions weaken the capacity of traditional leaders to assist the government in promoting development, managing conflicts, and mobilizing communities in the fight against insecurity.

The Royal fathers in their memorandum submitted to the House of House Committee on Constitution Review, emphasized the need to acknowledge the unique history and role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s political evolution, noting that traditional institutions have long coexisted with democratic systems in many parts of the world and have proven to be vital partners in governance and national development.

As part of their recommendations, the traditional rulers proposed the reinstatement of the traditional institution’s status in the Nigerian Constitution. They also called for the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers, with representation from all states and chaired by the President of the Federal Republic.

The council, they suggested, should serve as an advisory body to the Federal Government on matters ranging from development planning and religious issues to arts, culture, and national unity.

The council should also assist in managing boundary disputes, mobilizing human and material resources, and evaluating customs and traditions that may be detrimental to national interest.

They called for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the membership of the National Council of State, recommending three representatives from each of the six geopolitical zones, selected at the discretion of the zones themselves.

At the state level, they proposed the establishment of State Councils of Traditional Rulers with legal backing, empowered to advise state governments on developmental, religious, and cultural matters, and to deliberate on issues of public importance.

At the local government level, they advocated for councils that would advise on security, collaborate with local authorities, monitor development projects, and help manage disaster responses.

They also emphasized that all appointments and depositions of traditional rulers should adhere strictly to existing laws and customs, and called for a codification of each traditional institution’s customs and succession lines into law.

To preserve the integrity of the institution, the memorandum recommended insulating traditional rulers from partisan politics, urging them to maintain loyalty to the government while refraining from political engagement. They also stressed the need for adequate funding to enable traditional institutions to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The traditional rulers expressed hope that the constitutional review process would mark a turning point in recognizing and preserving the legacy and relevance of traditional governance in modern Nigeria.