July 6, 2025 – Lagos, Nigeria
Traditional rulers from across the South-West, including the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, convened in Lagos on Saturday, July 5, 2025, to participate in the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. The gathering, held at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, focused on reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance framework.
The royal fathers, who arrived amid fanfare and cultural display, made a unified call for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, insisting that their historical influence and deep-rooted connection to grassroots communities position them as vital actors in national development and security.
Speaking during the session, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, emphasized the need for traditional rulers to be accorded formal roles, especially in local governance, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. “We are not asking for ceremonial inclusion but for practical empowerment that reflects our role in the lives of our people,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, stressed the importance of restoring the dignity and relevance of monarchs through constitutional means. “Traditional institutions predate the colonial government and have continued to serve as pillars of stability and moral authority. It’s time our role is entrenched in the legal and political fabric of Nigeria,” he declared.
The public hearing was organized as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly, aimed at addressing structural imbalances and enhancing inclusive governance.
Other prominent traditional leaders, lawmakers, civil society groups, and community representatives attended the session. Stakeholders took turns to present memoranda, urging the government to protect cultural heritage while integrating monarchs into modern governance systems.
The event concluded with a resolution to forward the traditional rulers’ submissions to the constitutional amendment committee for further consideration, marking a historic step in the agitation for deeper recognition of traditional authority in Nigeria.
