Traditional rulers from the North West Zone of Nigeria have urged the National Assembly to grant them constitutional recognition in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. They warned that the arbitrary creation of emirates, kingdoms, and chiefdoms without historical or traditional legitimacy undermines national unity and governance.
The traditional rulers, led by the Emir of Gummi and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), His Highness, Justice Lawal Gummi, made the call during a public hearing on the 2025 Constitutional Review in Sokoto. They condemned politically motivated interference in traditional institutions, saying it weakens the capacity of traditional leaders to promote development, manage conflicts, and mobilize communities against insecurity.
The royal fathers emphasized the need to acknowledge the unique history and role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s political evolution. They proposed the reinstatement of traditional institutions’ status in the Nigerian Constitution and the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the President, to serve as an advisory body to the Federal Government.
The traditional rulers also recommended the inclusion of traditional rulers in the National Council of State and the establishment of State and Local Government Councils of Traditional Rulers. They stressed the need for traditional institutions to be insulated from partisan politics and for adequate funding to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
They expressed hope that the constitutional review process would recognize and preserve the legacy and relevance of traditional governance in modern Nigeria.
