Traditional institutions, custodian of our rich cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom, were fundamentally designed to stand as apolitical sanctuaries for all citizens regardless of their political creeds. Historically, traditional rulers were revered as fathers of their entire domains, tasked with uniting diverse factions, mediating conflicts, and offering an inclusive space where candidates of divergent political backgrounds could present their manifestos to the electorate on a level playing field. Regrettably, in contemporary Nigerian politics, this sacred neutrality is being systematically eroded as some traditional rulers openly endorse political parties, host partisan rallies in their palaces, and even issue royal decrees instructing subjects on which political party or candidates to cast their votes for. While such open partisanship may delight the temporary beneficiaries in power, it represents a tragic incapacitation of our ancient institutions at the altar of short-term political expediency. As the eminent Nigerian sociologist Onigu Otite famously warned, “When traditional institutions lose their neutrality, they lose the moral authority that commands genuine respect from the people,” a sentiment underscored by the distinguished political scientist Claude Ake, who observed that “the degradation of societal institutions for political survival ultimately leaves a nation without moral anchors.” Let’s reflect on the dangerous politicisation of our traditional institutions.
Do you know that compromising the apolitical stance of traditional rulers inflicts deep, long-term damage on the social fabric of our communities? When a monarch converts a traditional stool into a branch office of a ruling party, he instantly alienates a substantial portion of his subjects who hold different political convictions, transforming what should be a unifying symbol into a divisive political tool. Furthermore, when the government of the day uses state leverage, financial inducement, or threats of dethronement to coerce monarchs into endorsing candidates, it reduces sacred thrones to vulnerable political appendages. This co-optation creates a toxic precedent where every election cycle desecrates royal dignity, leaving monarchs exposed to public ridicule, court challenges, and community revolt whenever political fortunes inevitably shift. Destroying institutional integrity serves no one in the long run; it cripples society’s capacity to resolve internal crises peacefully because, for example, when the judiciary is distrusted and traditional rulers become partisan actors, no neutral arbitrators remain to calm ethnic or political tensions. While traditional rulers as private citizens naturally possess personal political preferences, a mature society requires them to exercise such choices with absolute discretion, preserving the neutrality of their office so that all political actors feel welcomed, respected, and safe within their domains.
So, enhance your capacity to defend the sacred neutrality of our traditional institutions by resisting every attempt by politicians to turn royal thrones into political battlegrounds. Citizens must develop the civic maturity to separate royal respect from political compliance, recognizing that a monarch’s personal endorsement should never override an individual’s constitutional right to vote according to his or her conscience. At the same time, traditional rulers across the country must summon the courage to reclaim the moral high ground, asserting their independence from executive overreach and reminding politicians that royal stools existed long before modern political parties and will endure long after current administrations leave office. Well-meaning citizens, community groups, and civil society organizations, regardless of party affiliation, must collectively denounce governments or state actors that reward partisan monarchs while penalizing neutral ones, treating such interference as a direct attack on our democratic health. We must demand legislative safeguards and institutional protections that insulate traditional stools from partisan abuse, ensuring monarchs can fulfill their traditional roles as peace builders and cultural custodians without fear of political victimisation. By safeguarding the sanctity of these ancient offices, we preserve the vital moral anchors needed to navigate complex national challenges.
As you step out each day, remember that true democracy thrives only when foundational institutions remain firm, impartial, and uncorrupted by temporary political power. Demand that our leaders respect the dignity of our traditional stools and allow monarchs to remain the unifying fathers of all citizens. May our collective resolve protect our heritage and restore institutional integrity across every community in our nation.
- Esitikot, a chemical engineer, is a professor of occupational health and safety. He is a public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, and a pro bono lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
