The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has urged the federal government to formally strengthen the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s security framework, saying they remain trusted custodians of values and discipline in their communities.
The monarch stated this in Kaduna as part of activities of the “Exercise Haske Biyu 2025” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, with the theme, “Strengthening Family Values as a Force for National Security: The Role of Traditional Institutions.”
He said despite being sidelined constitutionally, monarchs are often the first point of contact in matters of local security, noting that their grassroots influence can be harnessed to complement the work of law enforcement agencies.
“Traditional rulers must remain unbiased arbiters of justice—not tools of the state, but trusted guides who hold the moral fabric of their communities together,” the Olu said.
He argued that many of the crimes confronting the nation, from terrorism to banditry, are perpetrated by people who disregard long-established norms of family and, community discipline.
He stressed that restoring family values and rebuilding trust at community level must be seen as critical elements of national security.
Atuwatse III also recalled how discipline and order instilled in his own family through relatives who served in the Nigerian military shaped his appreciation of integrity and responsibility.
“Legacy must be fought for. What we seek, strong family values and moral clarity will not come without resistance. That war must be waged daily: in our minds, in parenting, in leadership, in the way we live our lives,” he added.
The Olu called for a balance of correction and compassion in raising future generations, noting that traditional institutions can help lead this effort if properly empowered.
