Traditional institutions are as old as history. They are established by tradition and hallowed by custom. When the white men first introduced their tenets into Nigeria, they were quick to discover that, although the people were primitive, their traditional institutions followed due process of law and order, and provided stable administration and good governance. It is therefore regrettable that an institution which ought to be a reliable and dependable repository of wisdom and advice is fast becoming a ‘mere’ glorified club.
Today’s traditional rulers indulge in bribe-taking after taking secret oaths to pervert the course of justice. The political atmosphere in the state is nothing short of commotion and breakdown of law and order, and this is not far from the fact that the social order and economic life of the community has been paralyzed by our traditional rulers.
Yours truly believes in the age-long adage that says he who lives in a glass house should not throw stone. It is sad that the advice emanating from these custodians is usually devoid of truth and candour. It has even been discovered that these royal personage are permanently conscious of the need for self-preservation and fear of retributive justice. Because of this, many people have resorted to find a lasting solution that would settle the cloudy air, rather than opening-up old wounds.
It is also depressing that the traditional rulers entrusted with the grave responsibility of preserving our culture and failed to do so simply because of the gratifications they receive from their illicit acts. This has resulted in their inability to perform their primary functions and only if they go back to their drawing boards will the present state of things change.
From the time immemorial, the institution has been an integral part of the Nigerian tradition and has commanded a remarkable degree of loyalty and respect among the community. It is an institution that has been accorded a considerable pride of place by the people regardless of literacy level of the citizenry. Infact, people have grown to acknowledge and cherish the traditional institution. But alas, this institution now suffers socio-political ravages and is ripped of the loyalty, sanctity and respect due it because of the greediness of some politically-inclined Rulers.
This corrosion of customs and tradition with selfish desires has brought so much complicated problems in its complexities and the need for a drastic approach to the attitude of our Traditional Rulers must be looked into lest, their new-found priorities cause a draw-back in the progress of our traditional environment.
It has been observed that the Traditional Rulers now work with an eye on politicians; seeking platforms to applaud upcoming politicians in a bid to benefit from them financially.
It should be noted that the function of Traditional rulers is not in any way related with modern democratic government hence, those concerned should refrain completely from what would tarnish and belittle the image of the institution. It is my submission that rather than contemplate on modernizing the Traditional institution, our Rulers should think on reviving our old-time traditions and customs, and resolve to keep them for generations on their way. Only by this, would the Traditional Institutions serve the purposes for which it was created.
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