Drug Addicts, Vagabonds Have Taken Over As Traditional Rulers – Obasanjo

By Tonia Okereke

Former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo has taken a swipe at quality of individuals appointed at traditional rulers across the country.

Obasanjo in his new book titled “Nigeria: Past and Future”, released to mark his 88th birthday, said men with questionable characters have taken over once exalted thrones.

Obasanjo said in Chapter 14 of the book, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.

He wrote: “This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?

“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted.

“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability.

“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers – the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all.”

Obasanjo also warned that Nigeria may experience violent change of power if the country continues in the current trajectory of maladministration.