Desecration of traditional institutions: How monarchs have become targets of criminal elements

• Some have opined that the corruption and manipulation that dogged the enthronement of some of these monarchs, particularly in Yoruba land where they are seen as second to gods, contributed to their vulnerability to these attacks and killings.

Monarchs and the traditional institutions they are custodians of are an integral part of the Nigerian polity. They underpin the nation’s socio-economic and, to some extent, political arrangement. In colonial times, especially in the northern and western regions, they were key to the success of the indirect rule system used by the British in the governance and administration of Nigeria.

After independence, their involvement in the day-to-day running of the country and management of its affairs continued, albeit in a nominal and ceremonial capacity. However, the incursion of the military into the governance and civil space in the early years of independence heralded the erosion and undermining of their position concerning governance.

The roles of the monarchs and traditional rulers as custodians of our culture and tradition, a soothing symbol of unity and peace, and, to some extent, constituted authority in the rural areas remain intact. But these sacred responsibilities are now being threatened by the existential security crisis that Nigeria has been facing for many moons on end.

Reports of violent attacks and wanton killings across the country, especially in the Middle Belt and northern part of the country, by rampaging armed non-state actors have become a national routine to the point that many Nigerians are now becoming desensitised to these atrocities. Traditional institutions have been one of the worst hit by mindless killings and unconscionable criminal activities.

In recent years, many traditional rulers have been attacked and kidnapped by bandits and gunmen; some were taken from their homes or palaces. While some are lucky to make it out alive, others are not so fortunate.

According to a report by SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused security intel gathering and strategic consulting firm, over 50 traditional rulers were killed in various violent incidents across Nigeria between 2011 and 2021. Also, most of the killings were said to have occurred in the second half of the decade in review.

In this article, we’ll take a look at monarchs and traditional rulers who have been at the receiving end of the nefarious activities of these criminal elements and why they are the target of these ruthless onslaught

Last week, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke town in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State, was kidnapped by gunmen from his palace.

According to the family of the monarch, the kidnappers are asking for N50 ransom.

In February 2024, four monarchs were ambushed and killed in Ekiti. The monarchs are the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

The assailants ambushed and killed the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti during their return from a meeting. The Alara of Ara-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped the attack

Also in the same month, Peter Aremu, the Olukoro of Koro in Kwara State, was sleeping in his palace on February 1, when unsuspecting kidnappers bypassed his security details, killing the monarch. They also kidnapped his wife and two others.

In February last year, gunmen stormed the palace of Oba Segun Aremu, Olukoro of Koro, in Kwara State and shot him dead. His wife and one other person were also abducted during the attack.

In May 2024, the paramount ruler of Mbo Local Gov­ernment Area in Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, was abducted from his palace in Ebughu at night

In August 2024, the traditional ruler of Iyani Akoko in Ondo State, Oba Joel Sunday Daodu was kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his car on a highway.

Also in August last year, a 74-year-old traditional ruler in Sokoto, Isa Mohammed Bawa, was brutally murdered by bandits who abducted him over a delayed ransom.

In January 2023, the paramount ruler of the Izere nation in Plateau State, Agwom Izere, Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, was abducted by gunmen. One person was reportedly killed during the abduction while others were injured.

In December 2021, Two monarchs were kidnapped in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. Monarchs are the traditional ruler of Amagu Ihube Autonomous Community, Eze Acho Ndukwe, and the traditional ruler of Ihitte Ihube Autonomous Community, Eze Paul Ogbu, both in the Okigwe LGA.

Why monarchs and traditional rulers have become a target

While the brazen attack, kidnapping and, in some cases, killing of monarchs and traditional rulers have been said to be the resultant effect of the deepening security crisis in the country, some have argued that they are being targeted by criminal elements who see them as someone through which quick cash can be made.

Some have opined that the corruption and manipulation that dogged the enthronement of some of these monarchs, particularly in Yoruba land where they are seen as second to gods, contributed to their vulnerability to these attacks. The hijacking and watering down of the sacred and important selection process by politicians who want to use the traditional stools to advance their interests have deprived these monarchs of the spiritual fortification that comes with being a king.

A historian and custodian of traditional culture, Ifayemi Elebuibon, lamented that many monarchs had abandoned traditional means of protection, thus rendering them vulnerable to physical attacks.

The attacks on monarchs have also been attributed to perennial eco­nomic hardship across the land. The economic downturn and cost of living crisis affect everyone, including traditional rulers. Hence, the inability to address community needs due to lean resources and financial constraints can adversely affect the relation­ship between monarchs and their subjects.