Oluwo of Iwo Calls for 20% Allocation to Traditional Rulers in Local Government Funds
Monarch Advocates for Greater Financial Support Amid Security Challenges
In a bold move that highlights the evolving role of traditional institutions in modern governance, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has called for a significant increase in traditional rulers’ share of local government allocations. The respected monarch made this appeal shortly after being appointed Royal Patron by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Osun State.
“When it comes to the community, the kings are the first,” declared Oba Akanbi, whose progressive approach to traditional leadership has made him one of Nigeria’s most visible monarchs. “If the king is empowered, the police are empowered, and the PCRC’s work becomes easier and more effective.”
The Current Funding Crisis for Traditional Institutions
The monarch didn’t mince words when describing the financial challenges facing traditional rulers across Nigeria. “We spend from our resources to serve our people,” he revealed, painting a picture of royal leaders dipping into personal funds to maintain community services. The current allocation to traditional rulers stands at less than 5% of local government funds – a figure Oba Akanbi described as “grossly inadequate” for the crucial roles they play.
His proposed solution? A five-fold increase to at least 20% of local government allocations. But why does this matter to the average Nigerian? Traditional rulers serve as the first line of defense in community security, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation. Without proper funding, these vital functions suffer.
Security and Intelligence: The Monarch’s Critical Role
The timing of Oba Akanbi’s appeal coincides with growing recognition of traditional institutions’ role in national security. As the newly appointed Royal Patron of Osun State’s PCRC, the monarch emphasized how empowered traditional rulers could transform community policing.
“Traditional rulers play a vital role in security and intelligence gathering,” explained Oba Akanbi. His palace in Iwo has become a model for community engagement, demonstrating how monarchs can bridge the gap between formal security agencies and local populations.
PCRC Chairman Popoola Ogundoyin explained their choice: “We confer the Royal Patron role on Oluwo of Iwo because he is connected and has been an advocate for community security.” The appointment signals a strategic partnership that could reshape security approaches in southwestern Nigeria.
Tinubu’s Administration Gets Royal Nod
Amid his calls for greater support, Oba Akanbi offered praise for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “The Oluwo commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for his efforts in ensuring that Nigeria’s future is secured through his policies,” the report noted.
This endorsement carries weight in a region where traditional rulers maintain significant influence. It suggests a potential alignment between the federal government’s security strategies and the grassroots network of traditional institutions.
The Bigger Picture: Traditional Institutions in Modern Nigeria
Oba Akanbi’s appeal raises fundamental questions about the place of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance structure. As the country grapples with security challenges and seeks more effective local administration, could better-funded traditional institutions provide part of the solution?
The monarch’s argument rests on a simple premise: traditional rulers maintain unparalleled access to local communities. They know the terrain, the people, and the subtle dynamics that formal government structures often miss. With proper funding, they could amplify their contributions to security, conflict resolution, and community development.
As this debate continues, all eyes will be on whether state and federal governments respond to this royal appeal. Will Nigeria’s traditional rulers get the resources they say they need to better serve their people? The answer could reshape community governance across the nation.
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