Traditional rulers key to national unity — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance structure.

Speaking on Saturday during the final farewell and reception held in honour of the late Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland, who died in July 2025 at the age of 91, Tinubu described monarchs as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security, and grassroots development.

Represented by Dapo Abiodun, Ogun state governor, the president said the Renewed Hope Agenda had deliberately repositioned traditional rulers from ceremonial figures to active stakeholders in governance, conflict resolution, economic mobilisation, and nation-building.

According to Tinubu, the federal government envisions a Nigeria where traditional institutions are recognised as critical partners in preserving cultural values, strengthening social harmony, and advancing grassroots development.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The president noted that traditional rulers possess indigenous intelligence, moral authority, and social legitimacy that modern institutions cannot easily replace.

Tinubu said while the 1963 constitution accorded traditional institutions significant relevance within the governance structure, subsequent constitutional arrangements diminished their influence, weakening the synergy between government and grassroots leadership.

He assured Nigerians 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.

Tinubu further disclosed that the federal government had sustained strategic consultations with traditional and religious leaders through the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria on issues relating to national security, economic growth, communal peace, and social stability.

He said the engagements had strengthened trust between government and the people, while efforts were ongoing to ensure traditional rulers were adequately supported to contribute meaningfully to national discourse and community leadership.

The president also charged monarchs across the country to remain at the forefront of peacebuilding and social stability amid prevailing security challenges.

Ardo  Zubairu , OSIG(London)

Editor -In- Chief, African Journalist Media Platforms.

National Secretary 

Renewed Hope: Tinubu Re- Election Project 2027 . Office Phones: 

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