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Tag: traditional rulers

  • Edo govt. dethrones three traditional rulers

    Edo govt. dethrones three traditional rulers

    Edo Government has announced the removal of three traditional rulers across two local government areas for allegedly violating extant traditional and legal regulations.

    Umoru Inusa Umoru was removed as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West, while Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi was immediately reinstated to the position.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Monday in Benin by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Umar Ikhilor.

    Ikhilor said that Umoru’s removal followed the discovery that the Aidenogie stool was not allegedly vacant prior to his appointment.

    Similarly, Lukman Akemokue was removed as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East for allegedly contravening succession laws established under customary declarations.

    His removal, according to the statement, was allegedly based on non-compliance with the Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979, guiding traditional succession.

    Also affected was Dr George Oshiapi Egabor, who was removed as Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government.

    Egabor’s removal followed his alleged suspension due to repeated incidents of kidnappings and killings reported within his domain.

    The statement noted that the Executive Council of Edo approved these revocations at its meeting held on Tuesday, April 29.

    The statement added that preparations were underway to commence the lawful selection process for a new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella and Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom.

    Citizens of the affected areas were urged to remain peaceful as the government works to preserve order, unity, prosperity, and communal harmony statewide.

  • Insecurity: Obi hails Northern Traditional Ruler’s bold steps

    Insecurity: Obi hails Northern Traditional Ruler’s bold steps

    The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has hailed the Northern Traditional Rulers for taking bold steps on the menacing security challenges in the region and in the country.

    Obi, who was reacting to the ‘Enough is Enough’ declaration of the royal fathers on the security situation, said that their courageous steps are needed to find a lasting solution to the menace.

    Writing on his X handle, Obi said “I would like to sincerely thank the Northern Traditional Rulers for their courageous and timely emergency declaration of the security situation in the region. I cannot agree less with them that “Enough is Enough” regarding the persistent killings and insecurity plaguing our nation.
    “Their collective voice, as reported, underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and restore peace in our communities.

    “I urge governments at all levels to work closely with these royal fathers who are closest to the people at the grassroots. Their commitment to addressing these challenges and offering counsel to regional governors reflects true leadership and a deep concern for the well-being of their communities.

    “The stance of the Northern Traditional Rulers serves as a clarion call to all stakeholders. We must unite, irrespective of political affiliations, to implement lasting solutions that address the root causes of our nation’s challenges.

    “Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, valued, and empowered.

  • Osun communal clashes: Gov. Adeleke vows to remove erring traditional rulers

    Osun communal clashes: Gov. Adeleke vows to remove erring traditional rulers

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State says the government will remove from office any traditional ruler that fails to sustain peace in their community.

    Adeleke, in a statement by his Media Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Monday, said that action would be taken against traditional rulers of Ifon and Ilobu/Erin-Osun communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas.

    He said that action would be taken, if the traditional rulers failed to sustain peace and de-escalation crisis in their communities.

    The governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas, were planning another round of attacks.

    “In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns,” he said.

    According to him, security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place, and are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict.

    “I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaken they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

    “The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas.

    “Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

    “Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order.

    “I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the governor said.

  • Criminals, addicts, kidnappers now traditional rulers – Obasanjo

    Criminals, addicts, kidnappers now traditional rulers – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his dissatisfaction with the selection processes governing traditional rulers, asserting that individuals of criminal disposition, including drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers, have infiltrated royal institutions throughout the country.

    According to the former president, the rapid increase in the number of traditional rulers, many without the necessary training and moral standing, has caused a deterioration of traditional institutions nationwide.

    As detailed in his recently launched book, “Nigeria: Past and Future,” Obasanjo expressed regret over the disappearance of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that historically upheld the dignity of royal offices.

    He argued that this oversight has significantly worsened Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.

    He said, “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, some 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 running away with it?” he queried.

    Reflecting on the past, Obasanjo pointed to the colonial and early post-independence periods as times when traditional rulers enjoyed significant honor and respect, contrasting it with the current decline in those standards.

    “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.”

    While calling for urgent reforms, the former president stressed the need to restore traditional leadership’s lost dignity and value in Nigeria.

    He passionately argued that traditional rulers possess untapped potential to drive national development, a potential tragically squandered when they become a burden.

    “That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability,” he declared.

    He issued a clarion call for a moral cleansing among traditional rulers, especially those who carry the weight of history.

    Obasanjo insisted that, if their power is properly aligned, they could be the architects of Nigeria’s future.

    “There is a need for moral re-armament among 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 interest of all”.

    He asserted that traditional leaders must rise above regional and ethnic divisions and act as unifying forces, promoting harmony and understanding.

    Also stating that by fostering dialogue and collaboration, they can help build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria for all.

  • Senate passes bill to establish national council for traditional rulers

    Senate passes bill to establish national council for traditional rulers

    A bill to establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers, formalising their roles and recognition has passed its second reading in the Senate.

    The bill’s general principles were presented on Thursday by Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Jos), its sponsor.

    The debate elicited concerns from lawmakers, particularly regarding potential conflicts of responsibility with elected political officers at local government councils.

    Lalong explained that the bill was first introduced on Oct. 8, 2024.

    He highlighted that before the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and the Colony of Lagos, traditional authorities were highly influential in Nigerian governance.

    He said the traditional rulers were custodians of culture, tradition, values, and religion, and played crucial roles in managing communal conflicts, commerce, and industry through trade with other kingdoms.

    Lalong said between 1910 and 1960, Nigerian traditional rulers had significant authority.

    “Under the British colonial “indirect rule” system, they functioned as the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

    “This continued during the First Republic as members of the regional houses of chiefs.

    “However, subsequent military regimes, starting with Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi’s unitary government in 1966, stripped traditional rulers of their powers, redistributing them between federal, state, and local governments.

    “While the 1979 constitution somewhat restored the role of traditional institutions, the 1999 constitution relegated them to the background.”

    Lalong noted the absence of a legal framework to guide the operations of traditional rulers, in spite of their societal importance.

    Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, emphasised the important non-kinetic role traditional rulers play in tackling security challenges, citing their education and insight into national issues.

    He urged senators to support the bill’s second reading.

    During discussions, some senators expressed concerns about potential overlaps with government functions and recommended clarifying the role of traditional rulers.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio agreed that the bill should outline traditional rulers’ functions more clearly and called for a public hearing to gather input from other stakeholders.

    The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment for further consideration and would be presented for a third reading in four weeks.

  • Bill for Traditional Rulers’ role, funding ready

    Bill for Traditional Rulers’ role, funding ready

    Governors and traditional rulers have agreed to strengthen the role of monarchs in national security and governance.

    The agreement came during a joint meeting between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The gathering, initiated by the NGF chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, centred on a proposed bill before the National Assembly that would formalise traditional rulers’ constitutional role.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun said traditional rulers, being close to the grassroots, know their communities better than those higher up in government.

    Abiodun said, “We are focused on the constitutional role of traditional rulers in Nigeria. There is a bill before the National Assembly, and today, His Royal Majesty, the Etsu of Nupe, graciously provided an overview of the proposed bill.”

    Abiodun stated that the bill would be shared with all in attendance and that a joint committee would be formed to incorporate a feedback mechanism in order to make the document inclusive and reflect citizens’ needs.

    Governor Abiodun also underscored traditional rulers’ invaluable role in grassroots security, stating, “Our traditional rulers, being close to the grassroots, know their communities better than we do in government. They know the miscreants, they know the families, and they can better assist in community policing.

    “Fortunately, we are blessed with many of them who are highly experienced, extremely lettered, extremely knowledgeable, and we have our retired soldiers,” Governor Abiodun noted, emphasising their potential contribution to national security.

    A new joint committee, chaired by the governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma, and comprising 15 members, will now work on enhancing the proposed legislation.

    Governor Abiodun explained their mandate: “Whatever document will be presented to the National Assembly will be very comprehensive, very inclusive – that seeks to empower our royal majesties, royal highnesses more and seeks to involve them in governance, peace, security of our various states across the country, including the FCT.”

    The meeting also addressed gender-based violence, and the Sultan of Sokoto’s foundation work in this area was praised.

    Governor Abiodun urged other traditional rulers to follow his example, noting that “because of the level of trust that our citizens have in our traditional institutions who are not tenured… that trust allows them to establish referral centres from local governments through their channels.”

    Local government autonomy’s impact on traditional institutions was also discussed, with governors briefing the monarchs on recent Supreme Court rulings.

    The discussion was aimed at ensuring a clear understanding of these changes as implementation begins.

    Etsu Nupe, who presented the bill’s overview, said the proposed legislation addresses crucial aspects of traditional leadership.

    He noted that it covers the structure and function of traditional institutions and also insulates traditional rulers from partisan politics.

    The traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto and co-chaired by the Ooni of Ife, expressed enthusiasm about their proposed enhanced roles.

    The Etsu Nupe highlighted the wealth of experience within their ranks, saying the institution now has professionals and technocrats from various fields of endeavour.

    He said, “So we believe strongly if the institution is well founded, God’s willing, we will perform our utmost, as rightly observed by His Excellency. Our institution is now blessed with professionals, the military, technocrats, and all the fields you think about. So we served this country for 30 years, 40 years before we retired, and now we retire to another assignment of leading our people.

    “So I think we’re the best of our crop that can conveniently lead our people and address the challenging problems we are facing in terms of social, political, economic and security, peace and what have you in this country.

    So we served this country for 30 years, 40 years before retiring, and now we are retiring again to another assignment of leading our people.”

     

     

     

  • REVEALED: Details of what Tinubu told Traditional Rulers in their meeting on hunger protest

    REVEALED: Details of what Tinubu told Traditional Rulers in their meeting on hunger protest

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu encouraged Nigerians dissatisfied with his administration to consider voting him out in the 2027 presidential election, according to Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

    The monarch claims that in light of the hardship protests scheduled for August 1–10, 2024, President Tinubu made this statement on Thursday during an emergency meeting with Traditional Rulers chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    Ooni of Ife pointed out that Tinubu reiterated his determination to put an end to the nation’s economic suffering while urging communication.

    The President has said, ‘Any leader that you don’t like, wait (until 2027) and vote him out.’ He is open to dialogue. We know that Nigeria faces many challenges. But are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we are all after?

    “It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country and are stronger as a nation than individually,” the Ooni of Ife said.

  • ‘Who will want to have his son locked up’ – South East traditional rulers seek Kanu’s release

    ‘Who will want to have his son locked up’ – South East traditional rulers seek Kanu’s release

    The Council of South East Traditional rulers has appealed to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, saying his eventual freedom will reduce tension in the south east zone of Nigeria.

    The Chairman of the Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu made the call, when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Sunday.

    Asadu said that the council was in support of stakeholders call for his release such as the south east governors, lawmakers and the entire people of the zone.

    He said, “he is our son. He has been there for a long time, inspite of the ups and down with the judiciary.

    “Off course, we back the Governors Forum and other stakeholders’ call for his release so that tension will be reduced.

    “We before that the government will do its due diligence to ensure that people are guaranteed that the release won’t go beyond what is expected. There  should be some form of measures, a deal to be made.”

    Asadu said that the eventual release of Kanu would to a large extent usher in a relative calmness and evoke joy to the people of the zone.

    “If the president looks into that and gives him a pardon,we will be excited. It is affecting our area, because his absence. Some of the people are his die hard fans.

    “So, who will want to have his son locked up for a long time, of course we are praying every day, all the traditional rulers are praying for Nnamdi Kanu to be released.

    “We feel his pains and the pain of his family..

    “It will be a gift, if the President does that. We  come back to thank him in a big way.

  • Ogun bars traditional rulers from signing MoUs on land

    Ogun bars traditional rulers from signing MoUs on land

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has issued three Executive Orders, an official said on Saturday in Abeokuta.

    Two of the three orders are establishing two new agencies, while the third restrains traditional rulers from signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land in the state.

    Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, listed the agencies as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency.

    “In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order restrains traditional rulers from entering into any form of agreement or MoU concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domain,” he said.

    Akinmade said the Mineral Resources Development Agency would establish a working relationship with host communities in order to conduct geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposit within their domain.

    “The second agency is responsible for sustaining the achievement of the Ministry of Environment in the area of environmental regeneration and restoration and through the provision of parks, gardens and recreational centres state-wide to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of the environment,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s aide said the three executive orders take an immediate effect.

    “Executive Order One is based on Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution which vests in the governor the exercise of executive powers of the state for the purpose of effective governance.

    “The agency shall, directly or through qualified third parties, conduct and establish working relationship with host communities and local governments for the conduct of geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposits within their domain.

    “It will conduct geo-technical survey of solid mineral deposits in the state and maintain relevant data in the sector, (and) organise the solid minerals sector to the best interest of the state.

    “To realise its objectives, the agency shall be funded through fees generated from regulatory agency, budgetary allocation, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aid and other legitimate contributions,” he explained.

    Akinmade said Executive Order Two was on the basis of the Ministry of Environment starting a massive and aggressive tree-planting campaign to complement the beautification and landscaping programmes.

    ”This is to ensure environmentally sustainable, healthier and beautiful society, and the agency shall administer, maintain and manage all designated parks and recreation centres in the state.

    “For the purpose of realising its objectives, it shall be funded through budgetary allocation or monies received for services rendered, grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners, as well as gifts, aids and other legitimate contributions.”

    He added that Executive Order Three bars traditional rulers in the state from entering into any form of MoU with reference to mining or any other land matters.

    “The State has observes the current trend in which miners and investors circumvent regulations and government oversight by encouraging traditional institutions to interfere with land management by entering into MoUs and other irregular legal arrangements.

    “Therefore, all forms of traditional institutions existing within the state are hereby with immediate effect barred from entering into any form of MoU or agreement with any individual, companies or organisations seeking land within any part of the entire state for purposes of mining or industry.

    ”They are to forthwith refrain from issuing any form of consent letters for mining across the state.

    “Any traditional institution or stakeholder in the institution who flouts this order shall be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Kings and Chiefs’ Law and other relevant criminal statutes.

  • Absence of AGF stalls arraignment of alleged killers of Imo traditional ruler

    Absence of AGF stalls arraignment of alleged killers of Imo traditional ruler

    The absence of the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF) in court on Monday, stalled the arraignment of four suspects alleged to have kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze-Obowo autonomous community in Imo, Mr Basil Njoku.

    When the matter was called, the  four suspects and their counsel were present in court but there was no representation from the office of the AGF who had on the last adjourned date, announced that he was taking over prosecution of the case.

    The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako then shifted hearing in the matter until noon but there was still no representation by the AGF or his representative.

    The situation prompted the judge to invite the lawyers of the defendants into her chambers.

    She then adjourned the matter until April 30 and ordered that fresh hearing notice be served on the AGF.

    The lead counsel to the suspects, Mr Solomon Akuma, SAN had applied that the case be dismissed, but the judge opted to give the AGF another chance to lead a diligent prosecution.

    The four suspects are Jude Iheme, Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie  Ejike and Victor Obumneke.

    The three counts earlier slammed against them had been increased to five in an amended charge.

    NAN reports that on the last adjourned date, the AGF represented by Mr David Kaswe had taken over prosecution of the case from the Inspector- General of Police who initially filed the charge.

    Kaswe told the judge that the AGF invoked Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA)  to take over trial of the case.

    NAN reports that Iheme, 52 years old of Amagwu Amanze Obowo Local Government Area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years old of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo Local government Area also of Imo, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on Dec.17, 2022.

    The suspects were accused of killing the monarch while he was coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4 million from his family.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    The other suspects were  accused  of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to the apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to Section 16 of the same Terrorism Act.

    The charge read in part;  “That you Nwokorie  Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo  between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical  Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of the offence of kidnapping and terrorism of  Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with intent to cause Nwigwe Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku.

    “You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

    “That you Nwokorie  Ejike, 45 years  and Victor  Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo  between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical  Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe  Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

    “That you Nwokorie  Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo  between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical  Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.”