Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the selection process of traditional rulers in Nigeria, warning that royal institutions have been infiltrated by criminals, drug addicts, and kidnappers.
Speaking in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, launched last week, Obasanjo attributed the decline of traditional leadership to the appointment of unqualified individuals who lack both training and ethical standards.
He lamented the loss of the traditional training and mentorship system that once upheld the honour of royal institutions, arguing that its absence has worsened Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
“Today, we have criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers being paraded as traditional rulers,” he stated, highlighting that instead of being cultural and moral beacons, some monarchs now partake in unethical activities that weaken governance.
He pointed to an instance where a traditional ruler was caught participating in electoral fraud, questioning how such individuals could be entrusted with leadership.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, Obasanjo noted that traditional rulers once commanded great respect, particularly during colonial rule and the early years of independence. However, he lamented that the prestige of the institution has significantly diminished.
He called for urgent intervention to restore the lost dignity of traditional leadership, asserting that monarchs should contribute to national development rather than hinder it.
“The respect and integrity of traditional rulers should be restored. They must be seen as contributors to Nigeria’s growth, not as liabilities,” he emphasized.
Obasanjo also stressed the need for moral rejuvenation among traditional rulers, especially those with historic legacies, insisting that they could play a vital role in Nigeria’s long-term progress if properly restructured.