Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised alarm over the declining integrity of Nigeria’s traditional institution, alleging that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers now occupy royal thrones across the country.
Obasanjo made this assertion in his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, launched to mark his 88th birthday. In Chapter 14, he lamented that the dignity, honor, and respect once associated with traditional rulers have been eroded over the years.
“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” Obasanjo stated. “This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to Nigeria’s problems. How do we explain a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box during an election and running away with it?”
He stressed the need to restore the credibility of traditional rulers, urging moral reformation within the institution. According to him, traditional leaders should be an asset to national development rather than a liability.
Beyond the traditional institution, Obasanjo also warned of a looming crisis in Nigeria due to widespread corruption, poor governance, and the growing discontent among young people. He noted that the country is sitting on a “ticking time bomb” if leaders continue to ignore the frustrations of the masses.
“If the incumbent leaders do not shape up and satisfy the yearnings of their people, especially the youth, who are disappointed, dissatisfied, and unemployed, the future is bleak,” he cautioned.
The former president emphasized that unless urgent reforms are implemented, Nigeria risks facing an inevitable shake-up that could lead to violent change.
His remarks have sparked conversations about the state of leadership in the country and the urgent need for accountability within the traditional and political institutions.