OHINOYI CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL ROLES FOR TRADITIONAL RULERS IN NIGERIA’S SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
By Faith Adikeh – MLC Tv
The Ohinoyi of Ebira Land and North Central Coordinator of the National Council for Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, has called for clearly defined constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria’s peace and security architecture.
The monarch made the call at the 2026 North Central Zonal Security Summit held in Benue State on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Anaje said traditional rulers, being closest to the people at the grassroots, were often in a position to identify emerging tensions and security threats before they escalated into crises.
He said their traditional institutions could play critical roles in early warning, grassroots intelligence gathering, mediation, reconciliation and community mobilisation.
According to him, granting traditional rulers clearly defined constitutional responsibilities in the security framework would not amount to replacing security agencies, but would strengthen collaboration between government, security institutions and communities.
The Ohinoyi commended the organisers of the summit, particularly the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Esiet, and other stakeholders for providing a platform to deliberate on security and stability in the region.
He also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly through the creation of additional divisions in the Nigerian Army.
The traditional ruler, however, urged the Federal Government to complement the new divisions with the establishment of necessary brigades and battalions to bring security closer to the people, improve response time and boost public confidence.
Ohinoyi Advocates Better Welfare for Security Personnel
The monarch also called for improved welfare for serving and retired security personnel, stressing that their sacrifices in protecting the nation must be recognised and rewarded.
He expressed concern over recent complaints by military pensioners regarding pensions, adjustments and outstanding entitlements, urging the government to give the issues serious attention.
Anaje said government should prioritise timely payment of salaries, pensions and allowances, as well as medical care, housing, insurance, support for families of fallen personnel and dignified retirement for security personnel.
He described the welfare of security personnel as more than a social responsibility, saying it was also directly connected to national security.
According to him, ensuring that serving personnel and retirees feel valued would strengthen morale, loyalty and professionalism within the security sector.
Security Requires Collective Action
The Ohinoyi further stressed that the responsibility for securing the North Central and Nigeria as a whole could not be left solely to government and security agencies.
He called for greater involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations, civil society and youths in tackling insecurity.
He urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, improve early-warning mechanisms and resolve local disputes before they develop into violent conflicts.
Anaje also advocated greater investment in education, skills development, employment and legitimate economic opportunities for young people as part of efforts to address the root causes of insecurity.
He noted that the North Central region was endowed with enormous human and natural resources and should not allow insecurity to define its identity or limit its development.
The monarch equally called for tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the region.
He said the diversity of the North Central and Nigeria should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division, urging citizens to accommodate one another and pursue common interests.
The Ohinoyi, while commending participants for their contributions to the summit, reiterated that sustainable security must be built from the grassroots.
He said lasting peace must involve all levels of society, from traditional palaces to villages, wards and communities.
He expressed optimism that strengthening traditional institutions, empowering communities, promoting tolerance and improving the welfare of security personnel would contribute to building a safer, more peaceful and united Nigeria.
