Relegation of traditional institutions, source of Nigeria’s problem – NOA DG

Adebayo Adenrele

…reveals FG’s plan to engage Monarchs on conflict resolution

The Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu has ascribed the source of some of the challenges facing the country to the relegation of traditional institutions by successive governments.

The DG noted that the removal of traditional rulers, who are the custodians of culture and traditions, from the affairs of government has hindered smooth governance.

Mallam Issa-Onilu stated this on wednesday during his visit to the Palace of Ewi of Ado-ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladejugbe Aladesanmi III.

His words: “What we are witnessing in the country is as a result of the relegation of our traditional rulers by successive governments.

“What we don’t know is that when we ignore traditional rulers, value system collapse and there is the need to bring back our value system, traditional rulers need to have a place in government so that we can get governance right.

“There is no agency of government that can perform the functions of traditional rulers, who are the custodians of culture and traditions.

“That’s why President Bola Tinubu said we must go back to where we got it wrong by giving recognition to traditional rulers.

“By next year, workshop will be organised for traditional rulers across all states on peace building and conflict resolution”.

The DG said that the Agency will also re-orientate youths and equip them with necessary tools to navigate challenges, and contribute positively to the society towards eradicating negative activities such as cultism, banditry and kidnapping.

Issa-Onilu equally added that the federal government would soon launch a new campaign that would define the duties of patriotic Nigerians and the expectations of Nigerians from the political leaders.

The campaign – ‘National Life Charter’ would serve as a definitive statement that would inspire the citizens to shun cultism, banditry, kidnapping and other vices.

While reiterating the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to offer renewed hope to the citizens, he said the agency is capable of galvanizing Nigerians towards going back to the real Nigeria.

In his response, the Ewi of Ado-ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, lamented over the insensitivities of federal government by sidelining traditional rulers on nomination slots.

The Monarch, represented by the Ewi-in-Council, urged the Agency to advise the federal government to prioritise the traditional Institution, stressing they are the custodians who can present better candidates.

Earlier, the DG had engaged the Staffers of the Agency at its headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, with a charge to buckle down by ensuring that Citizens are re-orientated for the realisation of Renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.