Ooni Commends Tinubu, Reps Committee For Championing Constitutional Recognition For Traditional Rulers 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the House of Representatives Committee on Traditional Institutions for championing legislative efforts aimed at securing constitutional recognition for traditional rulers across Nigeria.

The foremost African monarch gave the commendation while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Traditional Institutions at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

A statement on Friday issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the delegation was led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Traditional Institutions, Hon. Abdulmumin Ari Mohammed, alongside other members of the committee.

The lawmakers were received by the Ooni on Thursday evening in the company of prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas.

Speaking during the visit, the Ooni described the engagement as a landmark step towards restoring the dignity and constitutional relevance of traditional institutions, stressing that traditional rulers have remained dependable partners in governance, security, conflict resolution and grassroots development.

The Ooni applauded President Tinubu for supporting the process that seeks to formally recognise traditional institutions in the nation’s Constitution, noting that the initiative would strengthen governance by bringing traditional rulers closer to policy formulation and implementation.

“We are gradually getting to where we are going. Traditional institutions have always supported government agencies and parastatals in maintaining peace, promoting development and preserving our cultural heritage. Yet, for many years, there was no dedicated legislative committee handling matters relating to traditional institutions.

“I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government for ensuring that we are now on the path to constitutional recognition. It is a development that gladdens our hearts because traditional rulers will finally have their rightful place in the governance structure of our country.”

“I thank God that the bill has made remarkable progress. We are now closer than ever to being constitutionally recognised,” the Ooni said.

Ooni Ogunwusi further stated that constitutional recognition would enable traditional rulers to contribute more effectively to addressing insecurity, communal disputes, youth engagement, cultural preservation and other critical national challenges.

He maintained that traditional rulers remain the closest institution to the people and possess first-hand knowledge of developments within their various communities, making them indispensable partners in governance.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Traditional Institutions, Hon. Abdulmumin Ari Mohammed, said the committee visited the palace to brief the Ooni on the progress of legislative initiatives designed to strengthen the traditional institution and seek his royal blessings.

Describing traditional rulers as the pillars of Nigeria’s unity and stability, the lawmaker said the committee had identified three major priorities aimed at repositioning the institution.

According to him, the first is the establishment of a National Council for Traditional Institutions Day to celebrate and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The second is the constitutional establishment of a National Council for Traditional Institutions, while the third seeks to ensure that traditional rulers are formally integrated into governance processes at both the federal and state levels.

“As traditional rulers, you are the ones holding the pillars of Nigeria. We are here to inform Your Majesty about the work we have been doing and the contributions of this committee.

“We believe that when traditional rulers are carried along, government will have direct access to credible information from the grassroots. Their absence from critical governance discussions is a great loss because they remain the closest institution to the people.

“Our goal is to ensure that traditional institutions occupy their rightful place within Nigeria’s constitutional framework,” he said.

Hon. Mohammed disclosed that the proposed legislation had successfully scaled second reading in the House of Representatives and had been referred to the Committee on Traditional Institutions for further legislative action.

He explained that the next phase would involve a nationwide public hearing where traditional rulers, cultural stakeholders and representatives from every state would make inputs that would shape the final constitutional provisions.

“The bill has now passed second reading and has been referred to our committee. We will commence public hearings across the country to give every community and state the opportunity to present their views. Those contributions will help us produce a comprehensive constitutional framework that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and strengthens our traditional institutions,” he added.