Buratai Centre, Monarchs Demand Confab, Constitution Review

Tukur Buratai Research Centre and Traditional Rulers from the South Western part region of Nigeria, arising from a 5-day Special Seminar and Retreat, has called on the Federal Government to initiate a National Conference and review of the 1999 Constitution in order to integrate the traditional institution into the governance structure.

The Seminar and Retreat hosted at the Fifth Chukker Polo Club and Resort Kaduna by the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, brought together traditional rulers under the auspices of “Group-12” from Osun State, for a critical dialogue with a theme “Traditional Institutions and Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria.”

The Communique issued at the end of the Seminar and Retreat was signed by the Chairman of the Centre and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) and Chairman Osun Group of 12, Oba Dr’ Adedokun Abolarin, as the Secretaries of the Centre and Osun Group of 12, Brig-Gen. Sani K. Usman and Oba Dr Akeem Ogungbangbe respectively.

The communique argued that, integration of the traditional institutions into contemporary governance structures and legitimizing their existing roles at various levels, will create a more inclusive security architecture that leverages their local knowledge and influence.

It however called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, formally recognize traditional institutions through political reforms and constitutional amendments and equip them with modern governance frameworks to effectively address socio-economic and contemporary security challenges in the country.

According to the communique, “Nigeria faces a complex security landscape characterized by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities. Recognizing the vital role traditional institutions can play in addressing these challenges, the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) facilitated discussions exploring their unique strengths and contributions to national security.

The communique also stated that the Retreat resolved that, “There is a need for Constitutional Recognition and Empowerment in Nigeria. It therefore calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally recognize traditional institutions through political reforms and constitutional amendments and equip them with modern governance frameworks to effectively address socio-economic and contemporary security challenges in the country.