Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a searing critique of the state of traditional institutions, decrying the alarming rise of figures lacking moral standing—ranging from criminals to drug addicts—occupying revered royal positions.
In his latest book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo recalls a time when traditional rulers commanded respect and upheld cultural dignity.
Today, he argues, these offices have been overrun by individuals engaged in disgraceful acts, including electoral malpractice, thus undermining the sanctity of age-old institutions.
Obasanjo contends that the erosion of traditional values reflects broader governance failures, with authorities turning a blind eye to the degradation of a vital national heritage.
He warns that the neglect of established training and apprenticeship systems has not only diluted the prestige of traditional rulership but also contributed to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
Urging urgent reforms, Obasanjo insists that restoring the lost dignity and accountability of traditional rulers is essential if they are to serve as true custodians of culture and justice, rather than liabilities that exacerbate national disarray.
