Governor Hope Uzodimma Champions Constitutional Recognition for Nigeria’s Traditional Rulers

In a powerful address that resonated through the halls of Hotel Continental on Victoria Island, Lagos, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma delivered a compelling case for the constitutional recognition of Nigeria’s traditional rulers. Speaking before the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) on Monday, October 13, 2025, the governor lamented what he described as a “constitutional gap” that has persisted since 1979, leaving traditional institutions without formal legal standing despite their crucial governance roles.

The Historical Disconnect: From Constitutional Pillars to Informal Advisors

Governor Uzodimma, who described himself as someone “grounded in the traditional institution by heritage,” traced the erosion of traditional rulers’ constitutional roles to the 1979 Constitution, which systematically dismantled the formal governance structures that chiefs and monarchs had enjoyed during the First Republic. “Under the 1963 Republican Constitution,” Uzodimma noted, “the Oba of Lagos was listed as an ex-officio member of the Senate, alongside other chiefs selected to represent the Lagos Territory.”

The governor painted a vivid picture of a Nigeria where traditional rulers once formed integral parts of regional governance structures. In the Northern Region, the Constitution established a House of Chiefs modeled after Britain’s House of Lords, where all first-class chiefs were automatic members. The Western and Mid-Western Regions followed similar models, while the Eastern Region provided even broader recognition—Section 4 of its 1963 Constitution created a legislature composed of the Governor, the House of Assembly, and the House of Chiefs.

“Across the country: North, West, East, and Mid-West,” Uzodimma emphasized, “traditional rulers were not mere custodians of culture. They were constitutional actors, assigned formal duties within the architecture of regional governance.” The 1979 Constitution removed these roles, and the 1999 Constitution failed to restore them, creating what the governor termed “a drift into informality” where traditional rulers’ positions are defined “not by law, but by the discretion of government.”

The Reality on Ground: Traditional Rulers as De Facto Governors

Despite this constitutional silence, Uzodimma highlighted the multifaceted roles traditional rulers continue to perform across Nigerian communities. “Across towns and villages,” he observed, “traditional leaders remain the first point of contact in moments of crisis, the first to be consulted when tempers rise, and the last to retreat when disorder threatens stability.”

The governor cataloged their extensive responsibilities: settling land and family disputes where formal courts have failed, supervising chieftaincy matters with cultural precision, mediating between government and citizens on policy matters, leading civic campaigns on public health and security, and mobilizing communities for development projects. “These are the everyday works of governance,” Uzodimma stated, “carried out by men who draw their authority from history, not appointment; from community trust, and not political tenure.”

Learning from Africa: Constitutional Models That Work

Addressing common arguments against constitutional recognition, particularly Nigeria’s status as a republic, Uzodimma urged looking to African neighbors who have successfully integrated traditional institutions into modern governance. “To understand what is possible,” he suggested, “we must look to countries that, like us, have had to reconcile modern governance with deep-rooted traditions; countries that did not discard their heritage to build their democracy.”

The governor presented three compelling case studies:

Ghana’s Constitutional Guarantee

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution explicitly guarantees the chieftaincy institution under Chapter 22, Articles 270 to 277. Article 270 declares that “the institution of chieftaincy, together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and usage, is hereby guaranteed.” The Constitution establishes both National and Regional Houses of Chiefs while expressly barring chiefs from active party politics, creating what Uzodimma described as “a stable, apolitical partner in national cohesion.”

South Africa’s Recognized Traditional Leadership

South Africa’s 1996 Constitution dedicates Chapter 12 to traditional leadership, with Article 211(1) stating: “The institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to customary law, are recognized, subject to the Constitution.” Supported by the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, South Africa has “constitutionalised what we in Nigeria have informalised,” Uzodimma noted.

Namibia’s Advisory Council Model

Namibia provides what Uzodimma called “a strong statutory and constitutional precedent.” Article 102(5) of the Namibian Constitution establishes a Council of Traditional Leaders to advise the President, particularly on communal land issues. Subsequent legislation defines their composition, powers, and functions regarding cultural affairs, local governance, and customary law.

“These are not fringe systems,” the governor emphasized. “Clearly, these are constitutional democracies that have found room for their traditional institutions without compromising the integrity of their republics.”

The Neutrality Imperative: Preserving Moral Authority

Uzodimma addressed what he termed “a related but important point” that “must be addressed with honesty”—the issue of traditional rulers maintaining political neutrality. “As Royal Fathers,” he counseled, “your voice carries a weight that political office cannot replicate. You do not serve a party. You serve people.”

This neutrality, the governor argued, constitutes the institution’s unique strength. “Your institution is unique in the architecture of power. It has no tenure, no retirement age, and no term limits. It attracts those who have served the nation: in the military, in law, in politics, in academia; because it is a seat of enduring honour. That honour must not be diluted.”

In a particularly poignant moment, Uzodimma advised: “Don’t let anyone drag your stool into the arena. And let no one mistake your dignified silence for irrelevance. A word from the palace, spoken in truth and without bias, and at the right time can shape the direction of a state. That is your strength. Please endeavour to protect and preserve it.”

The Path Forward: From Informal Recognition to Constitutional Status

Governor Uzodimma’s proposed solution is straightforward: “The time has come to make this right, not necessarily by creating a new role, but by giving legal status to what already exists.” He compared the situation to “formalising a long-standing union. The marriage is real. The only thing missing is the certificate.”

The governor firmly rejected the characterization of traditional rulers’ demands as seeking privilege. “Your call for constitutional recognition is not a demand for privilege,” he told the assembled monarchs. “It is a demand for clarity and for the protection of a role that has survived war, colonisation, military rule, and political instability.”

Uzodimma pledged his full support for any constitutional efforts, assuring the traditional rulers that “if this matter comes before the National Assembly, or requires support at any level of government, I will stand with you without hesitation.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

The governor’s address comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, as the nation grapples with how to balance modern governance structures with traditional institutions that continue to command significant public trust and influence. The question remains: Can Nigeria afford to maintain this constitutional silence when its neighbors have demonstrated successful models of integration?

As Uzodimma concluded his address, he left the traditional rulers with a powerful affirmation: “Your presence here today, in your numbers and with your experience, is proof that the institution you represent is alive, strong, and ready to lead where it must.” The challenge now lies with Nigeria’s political leadership to bridge the gap between constitutional theory and governance reality, ensuring that traditional rulers’ indispensable roles receive the legal recognition they deserve.

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