His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, has once again called for the formal recognition of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s constitution.
Oba Olugbenle made the appeal during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on amendments to the 1999 Constitution, on July 4, 2025, at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event was convened as part of a two-day nationwide public consultation by the Senate to engage citizens and stakeholders on constitutional reform.
The public hearing was chaired by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and attended by a wide range of government officials, senators, and traditional rulers from across the South-West geopolitical zone.
A major focus of the session was the bill titled “An Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers, State Councils of Traditional Rulers, and Local Councils of Traditional Rulers.” The proposed amendment aims to create a structured, constitutionally-backed role for traditional institutions in the governance process.
In his remarks, Oba Olugbenle emphasised that traditional rulers have long played vital roles in peacebuilding, grassroots conflict resolution, and cultural cohesion, and that these responsibilities deserve formal constitutional backing.
“The importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts at the community level cannot be overstated,” he said. “We are not asking for ceremonial recognition, but for meaningful inclusion that enhances governance.”
The monarch urged lawmakers to ensure the public hearings lead to the passage of substantive amendments and not merely symbolic gestures. His stance was publicly acknowledged by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who, in a moment of camaraderie, referred to Oba Olugbenle as “Comrade,” in recognition of his consistent advocacy for traditional institutions.
Among other dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu), Senators Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Gbenga Daniel, and Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, as well as the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide and Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, also attended.
The hearing drew significant participation from traditional rulers across the region, including the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, underscoring the royal institution’s active interest in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future.
