Why traditional institutions must be integrated into Oyo devt systems – Makinde

…urges politicians to put Nigeria’s interest first

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has advocated for the integration of the traditional institutions into the development systems of the country as they remain important to nation-building and have continued to have the trust of the grassroots, which is central to development.

He called for the relevance of the institutions to be recalibrated, stating that it had become imperative to reform legal frameworks to provide clarity on the roles, rights, and recognition of traditional councils and strengthen the security architecture to formalise community policing strategies rooted in traditional structures.

Governor Makinde, who stated this in Akure at a colloquium organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Odundun II, added that it had also become important to elevate cultural diplomacy and tourism, which would place the traditional institutions at the heart of heritage, arts, and youth engagement.

This was as the governor said that the goal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in trying to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the same, adding that everyone is free to belong to whatever party they want but should put the country’s interest first.

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Speaking in an interview with journalists, Governor Makinde reiterated that the PDP could not be threatened by any political party, because it has become an enduring institution, charging anyone who wants to hold down the party to feel free to leave.

While congratulating the Deji of Akure on his 10th coronation anniversary, Makinde, who was the Keynote Speaker at the colloquium, said his reign has brought in unprecedented developments and progress to his domain, even as he prayed to God to grant Kabiyesi more impactful years on the throne of his forebears.

Stressing the strategic role traditional institutions play in governance, conflict resolution, and community development, Governor Makinde said the traditional rulers should no longer be seen as relics of the past but enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion.

He noted that his government in Oyo State had had an engaging relationship with the traditional institutions, which play active parts in the state’s security architecture, conflict resolution and tourism, stating that the engagement has produced positive results across many fronts.

The governor maintained that the push for a constitutional role for the traditional rulers is in order and would enable them to participate, contribute and also be held accountable.

He said: “Just last week, I had the honour of presenting a book that explores the complex story of OPL 245, a case that opens a window into governance, ownership, negotiation, and how institutions shape the destinies of nations.

“I reference that event because, in much the same way, our traditional institutions are also part of our national inheritance — older than oil, deeply cultural, and even more consequential to the future we seek to build.

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“Yet, all too often, traditional institutions are misunderstood. Some imagine frail old men who have outlived their relevance. Others view them as mere instruments of political endorsement. That mindset must change.

“Traditional institutions are not relics of the past. They are enduring pillars of identity, legitimacy, and communal cohesion. Long before Nigeria’s formal administrative systems took root, traditional rulers dispensed justice, upheld values, coordinated local security, and kept communities united.

“Today, they remain custodians of grassroots trust. And nation-building that ignores them does so at its peril. No wonder politicians continue to seek their blessings and validation.

“In my own public service journey, I have come to see that strengthening traditional institutions is not simply about cultural preservation — it is strategic governance.

“In Oyo State, we have taken deliberate steps to integrate our traditional institutions into the governance architecture. Permit me to highlight a few of these steps: We institutionalised their role in the State Security Council. Our royal fathers are not bystanders. They serve as first responders, sources of local intelligence, and advocates for peace. We passed laws to remove ambiguity around succession and throne ascension. The outcome? Fewer legal battles, reduced communal tension, and enhanced legitimacy for our royal fathers.