Majority of Our Obas, Emirs, Obis Are Drug Addicts, Criminals, Kidnappers, Obasanjo laments Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, announcing that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.
The former president reported the rapid proliferation of traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing, has led to the descent of traditional institutions in the country.
Obasanjo, who revealed this in one of his newly released books, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled most recent week, bemoaned the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once exculpated the dignity of royal offices, prioritizing that this neglect has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
He disclosed, “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, a few 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 dashing away with it?” he queried.
Obasanjo reflected on the past, when traditional rulers commanded honour and respect, of all things during the colonial and early post-independence periods, reporting 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.”
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While summoning for urgent improves, the former president highlighted the need to restore traditional leadership’s gone 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 strength and not a liability,” he declared.
Obasanjo further stressed the need for moral rejuvenation amongst traditional rulers, the most those with deep historical significance.
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He insisted that if properly repositioned, they could be crucial in accomplishing Nigeria’s long-term aspirations.
“There is a need for moral re-armament amidst 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 relevancy of all,” he disclosed.
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Published 3/16/2025