The dignity of our kings is not just cultural — it is political wisdom that Nigeria desperately needs to balance democracy with tradition.
Before colonial intrusion, African societies revolved around kings, chiefs, and councils of elders who were custodians of morality and ultimate authorities in governance. Even when colonial powers imposed foreign systems, they could not erase the moral knowledge of traditional supremacy. The people still revered their rulers, and communities looked to them for guidance.
Today, the story is different. In much of Southern Nigeria, kings have been stripped of influence, reduced to ceremonial duties beneath politicians who often show them little regard. This is a sharp departure from the days when no leader could govern without the blessing of the throne.
Lessons from the North
Northern Nigeria tells a different story. Emirs and chiefs remain powerful actors in governance. Political leaders actively seek their blessings, and rulers still shape the destiny of their people.
The case of the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, illustrates this power. His removal was not because he was irrelevant, but because his influence was too strong to ignore. The North demonstrates an enduring truth: kingship still carries legitimacy within modern governance.
The Southern Decline
In the South, traditional rulers are overshadowed by local government chairmen, commissioners, and political appointees. Politicians intoxicated by power have reduced kings to cultural figureheads.
The cost of this decline is heavy: erosion of community cohesion, loss of respect for elders, and political leaders who feel accountable only to the ballot box, not to the throne. The balance that once checked excesses in governance has been lost.
A Global Perspective
The irony is striking. Britain — the same colonial power that weakened Nigerian kings — still preserves its monarchy as a respected institution. The King may not wield executive power, but his authority unifies the nation.
In Qatar, another former British colony, the monarchy remains central. The Prime Minister answers directly to the King. Stability and continuity are maintained because tradition and governance walk hand in hand.
By contrast, Nigeria allowed colonial dictates to erode its heritage. The result is a democracy weakened by disconnection from its cultural roots.
Why Restoration Matters
Restoring the dignity of traditional rulers is not about dismantling democracy. It is about balance. Traditional leaders embody cultural wisdom, moral authority, and community unity that politicians often lack.
To achieve this restoration, three steps are vital:
1. Unity among rulers: Kings must rise above divisions and speak with one voice to demand recognition.
2. Community advocacy: Citizens should insist that politicians respect traditional institutions.
3. Political accommodation: Governments must give kings formal consultative roles in governance, ensuring that tradition and democracy reinforce — not weaken — each other.
Conclusion
Our kings and chiefs are not relics of the past. They are pillars of identity and continuity. Reducing them to mere ceremonial figures is a betrayal of history and a danger to our future.
If we do not restore the dignity of our traditional rulers, we risk losing not only our heritage but also the moral anchors that steady our democracy. When kings are sidelined, society drifts. When they are respected, communities thrive.
It is time to bring back the crown.
Akinsile Akinniran
21/09/25