WANING INFLUENCE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS

Onogie (king) of Urohi Community;HRH Aidenogie 1

A REVIEW BY PRINCE KELLY     UDEBHULU.


Traditional rulers often derive their titles from the rulers of independent states or communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria. Although they do not have formal political power, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence. Some traditional rulers inherited the titles while some are selected depending on the community or communities.


Anyone who has had the opportunity of interacting closely with most traditional rulers will readily agree that some of them are sound and first class individuals. Recently, I had the opportunity of sharing a space with HRH, Aidenogie 1, Onogie (KING) of Urohi Community in Edo State, Nigeria, It was at the Seminar in Lagos and I must say that he held me and the audience spell-bound that day with his masterful speech.

The Onogie (king) was called out to make an impromptu speech and he did not disappoint, without any prompts, papers or prepared notes, he reeled out history, names and dates like what one will normally watch in a movie. His speech which bothered on the integrity of politicians in Nigeria history was not only motivating, but also eye opening. I still think that the standing ovation he received afterwards may not be enough to thank him for showing some of us the other side of traditional rulers. An intelligent side, a side that shows that traditional rulers are men of great intelligence and sound minds.


But I keep asking myself, could the Onogie (king) of Urohi Community, and many more like him, probably idling away in their palaces and kingdoms not be made to be part of the Nigerian renaissance? And should specific roles be assigned to many others like him in the constitution? This to me is vital for good governance.


Factors Responsible For The Waning Influence Of Traditional Rulers In Nigeria:

There is no doubt that traditional rulers today have gradually witnessed the erosion of their powers, from dependence upon elected politicians to the rich citizens. As their roles narrowed, that of the political parties increased. Perhaps it may be necessary at this point to identify the key issues that have contributed to the waning influence of the traditional rulers:

(A) Self-inflicted (partisanship in politics, defecation of traditional values, lack of integrity by some, money-for-chieftaincy policies.

(B)  Social malaise ( moral decay in the society, lack of respect for elders and constituted authority – including traditional institutions)

(C) Dwindling sphere of influence (creation of new states and local governments areas have further balkanized the ‘kingdom’ overseen by the traditional rulers)

(D) Conflict of interest between  local government authorities and traditional rulers, and a need to clarify who should do what in local community matters

(E) Politics (Party politics have been played in a manner to undermine the influence of traditional rulers over local voters)

(F) The Economy (Dwindling economic fortunes which also affected the traditional rulers have further eroded their influence and authority, a situation where some traditional rulers lack mobility and adequate capital does not say much for the institution they represent)

(G) Abuse of privilege (giving chieftaincy titles and honours to less deserving members of the society has created a society with false values, and negative role      models)

(H) The single status movement and the agitation for republicanism (the desire to let the people decide their affairs rather than having a supreme human lording it over them)

I would still love to see the traditional rulers separated from the ‘madness’ of being involved in active politics. Only a thin line separates partisanship and the type of politics they would like to be involved in, any little slip would tip them over to the other side and that is the side that may lead to the erosion of whatever credibility and respect they command among  the people. Let the politicians deal with all that ‘ business of politics’. There are serious risks of losing credibility if the traditional rulers get into the political ring formally. Furthermore, the governments at the 3-tiers involve traditional rulers more in local government affairs. The issue of their welfare should also be considered and be accommodated in yearly budget cycles and executed effectively. That way, the institution of traditional rulers as we know it, will preserve its dignity.

..to be continued

By Prince Kelly Udebhulu

You can tweet to @princekelly75