Obasanjo Criticizes Nigeria’s Traditional Rulers, Says Criminals and Kidnappers Now Wear Crowns

Obasanjo Criticizes Nigeria’s Traditional Rulers, Says Criminals and Kidnappers Now Wear Crowns

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concerns over the state of Nigeria’s traditional institution, lamenting that criminals, drug addicts, and kidnappers have found their way onto royal thrones.

In one of his newly released books, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo argued that the dignity and honor once associated with traditional rulers have been eroded. He recalled a time when monarchs were revered and played a key role in governance and community development.

“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers,” Obasanjo wrote. He also criticized reports of some monarchs engaging in electoral malpractices, including ballot box snatching.