Traditional rulers part of Nigeria’s problems; criminals, drug-addicts, kidnappers now king – Obasanjo

• He stated that Nigeria must replace the current crop of uninspiring and ignoble characters that now sit boastfully on traditional stools with men of integrity, honour and dignity that occupied the position in days of yore

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has bemoaned the desecration of traditional institutions in Nigeria and the concomitant erosion of value, saying the scourge has contributed immensely to the plethora of challenges the nation is now grappling with.

He pointed out that traditional rulers have abandoned their role as custodian of traditions and customs, the palladium of positive and exemplary societal values even as they have long ditched the training and apprenticeship within their palace.

The former President disclosed these in one of his new books, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’ unveiled last week.

Obasanjo, who lamented the proliferation of all kinds of kings nowadays, said unworthy and questionable characters are now being installed as traditional rulers.

He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.

“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 stated that Nigeria must replace the uninspiring and ignoble characters that now sit boastfully on traditional stools with men of integrity, honour and dignity that occupied the position in days of yore.

“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.

“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.

“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”.