By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the final burial ceremony of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring the relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance structure.
The President made this known during an open lecture organised as part of activities marking the burial ceremony of the revered monarch at Dipo Dina Stadium on Saturday.
According to Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration has deliberately repositioned traditional rulers from ceremonial figures to active stakeholders in governance, conflict resolution, economic mobilisation, and nation-building.
“Our vision is clear — a Nigeria where traditional institutions are recognised as critical stakeholders in promoting peace, preserving values, strengthening harmony, and advancing grassroots development,” he stated.
The President noted that traditional rulers possess indigenous intelligence, moral authority, and social legitimacy that modern institutions cannot easily replace, stressing that their roles remain vital in addressing contemporary national challenges.
He observed that while the 1963 Constitution accorded traditional institutions significant relevance within the governance framework, subsequent constitutional arrangements diminished their influence, thereby weakening the synergy between government and grassroots leadership.
Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to support constructive engagement aimed at assigning clearer constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers through ongoing conversations at the National Assembly.
“This is not about politics; it is about strengthening governance, deepening inclusion, and recognising an institution that has sustained social order for centuries,” he added.
The President further disclosed that the Federal Government has sustained strategic consultations with traditional and religious leaders through the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria on issues bordering on national security, economic growth, communal peace, and social stability.
He charged monarchs across the country to remain at the forefront of peacebuilding and social stability amid prevailing security challenges, urging royal fathers to make their palaces centres of wisdom, reconciliation, and conflict resolution.
Tinubu also called on traditional rulers to guide youths against violence, extremism, drug abuse, and other social vices, emphasising that Nigeria’s cultural heritage should not be treated as relics of the past but as strategic assets for future development.
The President commended the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance for organising the lecture in honour of the late monarch, whom he described as a courageous, disciplined, and principled ruler who governed with wisdom, candour, and integrity.
Speaking on the lecture theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Institutions and Modern Government,” Tinubu described the topic as timely and significant to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“The theme speaks to one of the most important governance questions of our time — how to harmonise the authority of our ancestral institutions with the structures of constitutional democracy in advancing national progress,” he stated.
In his keynote address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the late Awujale as a foremost traditional ruler whose influence extended beyond Ijebuland.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Managing Director of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation, Architect Abiodun Fari-Arole, Obasanjo said the late monarch was a close ally, lover of his people, and a strong advocate of peace, justice, and fairness.
He noted that Oba Adetona would be remembered for championing reforms in Ogun State’s Traditional and Obas Law, particularly the provision granting monarchs the right to determine how they should be buried after death.
Also speaking during another lecture session titled “A Dialogue for a Stronger Future,” Sheikh Mustapha Bello stressed the importance of culture and traditional institutions in driving socio-economic development.
According to him, culture defines the identity and history of a people and must therefore be accorded serious attention in governance and policy formulation.
He maintained that traditional rulers should be actively consulted in the formulation and implementation of policies because they represent the true voice of the grassroots.
“Let there be specific roles for the Obas. They are deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of our people. Many of them are highly experienced, and their contributions can greatly assist government in formulating policies and initiatives that directly benefit the people,” he said.
