Role of Traditional Rulers in Local Government

In the first republic in Nigeria’s Political System, traditional rulers were involved in the direct administration of the people in the local authorities. The local government administration in Nigeria was reviewed in 1976 and changed the role of traditional rulers in local government to the following:

(i) The traditional rulers are no longer involved in direct local government administration. They perform ceremonial functions by being present when important personalities visit the local government e.g. visit of the President, the Governors, etc.

(ii) They advise the local government officials on matters that concern the customs and traditions of the people, etc.

(iii) As a custodian of the people’s customs and traditions, they help to preserve the customs and traditions of the people.

(iv) They mobilize people in their community to participate in government at various levels.

(v) They help to maintain law and order in their communities. They try to punish law offenders and settle disputes etc.

(vi) They mobilize their people to engage in community development projects.

(vii) They act as a link between their community and government by explaining government policies, programmes, and projects to the people, reporting back the feelings of the people, and their problems to the government.