The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi has called on the Nigerian government to formalise it’s relationship with traditional institution and incorporate it into the mainstream of governance as a way of finding lasting solution to several security challenges facing the nation, including insurgency.
He said colonial government was able to achieve political stability and peace because the traditional institution was an integral part of the political arrangement, especially at the local government level.
According to him, traditional institution will continue to be relevant and indispensable base on its affinity with its cultural environment and it’s status as the custodian of custom and traditional norms.
Sanusi, who was represented by Alhaji Muhammadu Muharas, the Akidu Rogo Kano, was speaking at the 10th Coronation Anniversary Lecture of His Royal Majesty, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Timi of Edeland in Osun State.
He further explained that proper utilisation of traditional institution would help in no small way to address internal security challenges such as insurgency, kidnapping, militancy and the rest of it.
“The 1979 and 1999 constitution totally relegated the traditional institution to the background, unlike what was obtainable during the colonial era. The relationship between the government and the traditional institution now became practically informal.
” The consequence of underutilization of traditional institution is serious administrative crisis we are witnessing, coupled with various security challenges presently facing our country.
“Government must formalise it’s relationship with the traditional institution through the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise, especially in the area of local government administration, this will engender tranquility and development”, Sanusi said.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Olutayo Adesina of the Department of History, University of Ibadan opined that Nigeria is far from attaining appreciable development without coordinated political ideology and instrument to mobilise Nigerians in the pursuit of common National goal.
Speaking on the topic: Repositioning the Traditional Institution and Local Government Administration in Contemporary Nigeria, Adesina said the present pattern of local government administration in Nigeria polarised the country the more.
” Nigeria is a country where 180 million people doing 180 million things differently, that is the fallout of running a system that is in variance with the wishes of the people and against the essence of government “.
The Monarch, in his remarks expressed profound appreciation to his subjects as well as well wishers, who have come from far and near to celebrate with him, reiterating his resolve to continue to provide enviable leadership to his people at all time.
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