Uzodimma Seeks Constitutional Role for Traditional Rulers, Says ‘It’s Not a Privilege But a Necessity’

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has renewed calls for the constitutional recognition of Nigeria’s traditional rulers, describing their demand as “not a privilege but a necessity for clarity and national stability.”

Speaking at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hotel Continental, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governor lamented that the 1979 Constitution stripped traditional rulers of their formal roles, a situation he described as “a gap that must be urgently corrected.”

“The time has come to make it right—not by creating a new role, but by giving legal status to what already exists,” Uzodimma said.

‘Traditional Rulers Are Already Governing’

Uzodimma noted that traditional rulers across the country already perform critical functions that support peace, governance, and community development.
He highlighted their roles in conflict resolution, land and family dispute mediation, cultural preservation, and civic mobilisation, adding that their contributions sustain grassroots governance even without constitutional protection.

“They draw their authority from history, not appointment; from community trust, not political tenure,” he said.

Historical Context

The governor traced the historical place of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance, recalling that the 1963 Republican Constitution granted them formal legislative roles across all regions — North, West, East, and Mid-West.
He noted that the 1979 Constitution removed these provisions, relegating traditional rulers to advisory positions “defined by government discretion rather than law.”

Uzodimma described this as a “failure of institutional memory” and called for a restoration of their constitutional relevance.

Learning from Other African Nations

Citing examples from Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia, Uzodimma argued that multi-ethnic democracies across Africa have successfully integrated traditional institutions into modern governance frameworks.
He noted that these nations constitutionally recognise and define the roles of chiefs and traditional leaders without undermining their democratic structures.

“If Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia can give constitutional expression to their traditional institutions, why not Nigeria?” he asked.

On Neutrality and Integrity

Uzodimma also urged royal fathers to maintain neutrality in partisan politics, stressing that their strength lies in their moral authority and trust among the people.

“You do not serve a party; you serve people. That neutrality is not weakness—it is strength,” he said.
“A word from the palace, spoken in truth and without bias, can shape the direction of a state.”

Call to Action

The Imo State Governor pledged his full support for any legislative or policy effort aimed at restoring constitutional recognition to traditional rulers.

“Your call is not for privilege but for protection of a role that has survived war, colonisation, military rule, and political instability,” he said.
“If this matter comes before the National Assembly, I will stand with you without hesitation.”

Uzodimma concluded by commending the traditional rulers for their continued role in maintaining national unity, cultural identity, and community peace.

“Your presence here today is proof that the institution you represent is alive, strong, and ready to lead where it must,” he said.