Criminals, Drug Addicts, Kidnappers Are Becoming Traditional Rulers  in Nigeria - Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has decried bastardization of Nigeria’s traditional institution, saying there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers occupying several royal thrones as monarchs across the country.

Obasanjo said this in one his two books released recently to mark his 88th birthday.

In chapter 14 of the book titled “Nigeria: Past and Future.”, the former President lamented that the dignity, honour and distinction associated with Nigeria’s traditional institution in the colonial days and early post-independence days, have been “diluted and polluted.”

“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?

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.” he said

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Posted: at 17-03-2025 05:40 AM (1 month ago) | Addicted Hero

indeed

Posted: at 17-03-2025 07:25 AM (1 month ago) | Grande Master

lol.....Baba, they are Presidents, Senators, House of assembly reps, Governors, Ambassadors, Perm Secs....name it.. Are you kidding? If they are just traditional rulers, then we have no problems.

Posted: at 17-03-2025 11:30 AM (1 month ago) | Hero