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The proposed provision of gratuity and death benefits for traditional rulers by the Adamawa State House of Assembly has renewed calls for greater recognition of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance system.
A public affairs commentator and advocate of accountability, rule of law and good governance, Hayatuddeen Aliyu, Esq., made the call in a statement dated August 17, 2026.
Aliyu described the proposed benefits as a welcome development, saying traditional rulers remained important custodians of Nigeria’s history, culture, values, peace and community identity.
He, however, said the initiative should go beyond welfare packages and provide an opportunity to reassess the role of traditional institutions in contemporary governance.
According to him, traditional rulers have historically contributed to the maintenance of order, resolution of disputes and promotion of peaceful coexistence, particularly before the emergence of modern governmental structures.
He said their closeness to the people also gave them a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations of their communities.
“Traditional rulers are not merely custodians of titles and culture.
They remain important custodians of our history, culture, values, peace and community identity,” Aliyu said.
He further noted that traditional rulers could play a significant role in preventing conflicts by helping to resolve family, communal and land disputes before they escalated into prolonged crises.
Aliyu therefore called for greater consultation with traditional institutions on government policies and decisions affecting their communities.
He urged governments to establish meaningful mechanisms through which traditional rulers could contribute to discussions on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth development, community development and peaceful coexistence.
The commentator also advocated improved welfare packages for traditional rulers, including healthcare, security, retirement benefits and appropriate support for their families.
He said the welfare of traditional rulers deserved greater attention because communities continued to benefit from their leadership, wisdom and service.
Aliyu also stressed the cultural importance of traditional institutions, particularly their role in preserving indigenous languages, customs, history and values amid rapid globalisation and modernisation.
However, he cautioned that increased recognition of traditional rulers must not undermine Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“Respecting traditional rulers does not mean placing them above the Constitution or democratic institutions. Rather, it means properly integrating traditional institutions into modern governance while respecting the rule of law and constitutional democracy,” he said.
He urged governments at all levels to develop stronger consultative frameworks that would allow traditional rulers to contribute to policymaking and community development within the limits of the Constitution.
According to Aliyu, the Adamawa initiative offers a broader lesson about the need to recognise and support individuals who dedicate their lives to serving their communities.
“The lesson from Adamawa is therefore bigger than gratuity and death benefits. It is about recognising the value of those who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to preserve traditional institutions and accord traditional rulers appropriate recognition, arguing that societies that respect their history are better positioned to build responsible and sustainable futures.
