Sanwo-Olu and Uzodimma urge constitutional roles for traditional rulers, calling them vital to governance and grassroots peacekeeping

Sanwo-Olu traditional rulers constitution proposal took centre stage at the 2025 National Executive Council Meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for legal recognition of royal institutions in Nigeria’s Constitution.

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Speaking on Monday at the event held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu described traditional rulers as indispensable to national development, community peace, and governance.

Despite their deep cultural authority, he noted, they remain “respected but not officially empowered.”

“There is a need to address the grey area in which traditional institutions operate,” Sanwo-Olu said. “They hold influence, yet lack clearly defined roles in our constitution. This must change.”

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that traditional leaders are the “trusted bridge” between government structures and the people, often taking the lead in conflict resolution, community development, and grassroots governance.

His call was echoed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who stated that traditional rulers have never lacked relevance, only legal recognition.

“The failure is not of the institution, but of the system that has yet to grant it legal backing,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu traditional rulers constitution advocacy reflects growing momentum for constitutional reforms that acknowledge the enduring influence of monarchs and royal institutions across Nigeria.

Both governors committed to supporting continued engagement at the federal and state levels to enshrine these roles in law.

The meeting brought together royal fathers from across the nation, many of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.

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As debates around governance reform and decentralisation continue, the question of where traditional rulers fit into Nigeria’s democratic framework has returned to the fore — and this latest call may mark a pivotal step forward.