Lagos: The Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies, South-West Zone, has thrown its weight behind the call for the redefinition of roles of traditional institutions within the governance framework. Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye, the chairman of the conference in the zone, articulated this position during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Senate Committee on the Constitution Review organized public hearings on Friday across various geo-political zones to gather proposals for constitutional amendments. Among the proposals presented were those advocating for inclusive institutional reforms, restructuring, the establishment of state security agencies, and the redefinition of the roles of traditional institutions in governance.
Aribasoye emphasized that the current roles played by traditional rulers should be formally recognized in the constitution. He stated, “We believe that our Royal Fathers must have roles, better and clearly official roles and functions in our constitution so that we are able to have an all-inclusive governance structure.” He further explained that recognizing these roles in the constitution would enable traditional rulers to perform their duties in a more official capacity, reflecting the significant roles they play in maintaining community stability.
The conference chairman, who is also the Speaker of the Ekiti House, assured that he and his colleagues in the zone were committed to ensuring traditional rulers receive the constitutional recognition they deserve. He also expressed support for state police and local government autonomy to address insecurity and enhance grassroots governance.
In his remarks, Mr. Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, praised the National Assembly’s leadership for facilitating a platform for comprehensive dialogue on these issues. Egbedun expressed confidence that the outcomes of the process would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, enhance good governance, and promote justice.
Representing other traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also called on the National and State Assemblies to enshrine the roles of traditional leaders in the constitution. He highlighted the significant contributions of traditional leaders at the grassroots level, particularly in security matters. The Ooni expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for allowing traditional institutions a voice in this important dialogue and pledged that traditional institutions would continue their efforts towards realizing a better Nigeria.