It is no more news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, few days ago, met behind closed-doors with traditional rulers at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa in Abuja. As gathered, the meeting with the monarchs was the second closed door meeting the President has held in the wake of calls for planned protest on the August 1, 2024. 

The meeting was attended by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, members of the President’s cabinet, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, among others.

In a similar vein, traditional rulers who attended the meeting were the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi , Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborokuzi I. In fact, the meeting came after an earlier meeting of the President with the members of the Progressive Governors Forum.

As gathered, the meetings were connected with moves to appease those planning to protest against the present administration over the prevailing economic situation in the country.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, were also said to have joined President Tinubu at the meeting which held on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Some governors who also joined the meeting were the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to recall that monarchs have long held a unique position in history, embodying both tradition and authority. As we explore the evolution of political power, it becomes evident that their influence extends beyond mere symbolism. Therefore, it is for this reason that this writer is in this context delving into the role of monarchs in shaping governance, drawing parallels between their leadership and that of political leaders in democratic systems.

Without a doubt, monarchy emerged as societies sought centralized authority. Initially, leadership was distributed based on factors like age or familial ties. However, the gradual shift toward monarchy reflected the need for strong, consolidated governance Thus, Monarchs claimed divine right, asserting their selection by gods to rule, a concept that legitimized their authority.

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is not out of place in this context to opine that effective leaders, whether monarchs or elected officials, create a shared vision for the future. They develop viable strategic plans, transcending mere orders and fostering progress.

In fact, monarchies persist alongside democratic systems. Their enduring presence highlights the diversity of political authority. While democracy disperses leadership, monarchies offer a contrasting model.

To buttress the foregoing view, it is not hyperbolical to conjecture that monarchs, as custodians of tradition, can play a pivotal role in urging political leaders to lead effectively. 

Considering the fact that Monarchs are expected to exemplify good governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and empathy, and that their actions resonate beyond ceremonial duties, it is in turn expected that they should be advocates for competence, and in that vein, encourage political leaders to prioritize competence over partisanship. 

In a similar vein, it is expected that monarchs emphasize the importance of informed decision-making as they symbolize unity. In fact, with their position in the society, and their somewhat seamless access to politicians in power, they can advocate for leaders to bridge divides and foster cooperation for the greater good.

The reason for the foregoing advocacy cannot be pooh-poohed with mere wave of the hands as Monarchs collectively possess a unique platform, one that transcends politics. Therefore, by urging political leaders to lead well, they contribute to stable governance and a brighter future for all. And again, it is expedient to recognize their role and encourage effective leadership across all realms of power.

At this juncture, it is germane to opine that the foregoing view could not have been expressed at a better time than now as the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and harmony in Nigeria has being watered down by the benevolence influence of political leaders. 

Therefore, it is time for traditional rulers to reclaim their voices and wield their influence for the greater good. While they have been adept at urging citizens to endure hardship without protest, they must in the same vein channel the same political energy toward holding political leaders accountable. 

In fact, given their historical significance, particularly in pre-colonial Nigeria, one cannot but opine that traditional rulers were the nucleus of governance and justice. They held religious, legislative, executive, and judicial powers, shaping local administration. That was when paramount chiefs, elders, and community leaders actively participated in decision-making, forming the bedrock of political culture.

Unfortunately, the role, and the influence they use to play in the society have unarguably changed. This is as modern Nigeria faces complex challenges that cut across corruption, insecurity and economic woes that demand collective action.

However, despite the challenges, traditional leaders, with their historical legitimacy, can still bridge the gap between the people (the governed) and political elites by always speaking truth to power. Therefore, traditional rulers must break their silence as their voices carry weight, and even as they can advocate for transparency, accountability, and justice. To this writer, they should always tell Nigeria’s political leaders, particularly the President, governors, lawmakers and ministers straight to their faces; no matter whose ox is gored, that they should address citizens' suffering, and foster positive change.

While it is expected that they speak truth to power as they often interact with political leaders, it is equally expected that they should in the same vein respect Nigeria’s cultural norms, and adapt to the times, particularly as their collective influence can shape political leaders’ policies and governance. Unfortunately, it appears our traditional rulers are not using their political energy to push politicians for transformation.

Given the foregoing seeming lethargy, traditional rulers once revered as custodians of wisdom, must rise from their silent thrones. Let them echo truth to power, reminding political leaders that their duty extends beyond survival as Nigeria's future depends on their collective courage and commitment to justice.