Former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, has called on the Federal Government to grant constitutional recognition to traditional rulers, emphasising that their roles in governance should not be acknowledged only during crises.
Osunbor, a Professor of Law and two-term senator, made this statement during the Second Distinguished Personality Lecture at Glorious Vision University. His lecture, titled Law and Governance in Esanland: From Abstract to Reality – The Missing Links, examined the interplay between law and governance in Esanland and the broader Nigerian context.
In his presentation, Osunbor highlighted the dual nature of governance in Esanland, comprising both customary and statutory laws. He lamented that while traditional institutions play crucial roles in governance, their significance is often overlooked unless there is a crisis.
“Governments at the federal, state, and local levels are quick to call upon traditional rulers in times of security challenges or communal conflicts,” Osunbor noted. “Yet, the huge responsibility they bear is not given commensurate recognition in the Constitution. I, therefore, support the long-standing demand by Nigeria’s traditional rulers that their roles in governance be given constitutional imprimatur and recognition.”
He stressed that this recognition must be accompanied by enhanced financial resources to enable traditional rulers to effectively discharge their duties. “Constitutional recognition and a defined role for traditional rulers will not only boost respect for their authority but also strengthen their role as custodians of customary law and governance,” he added.
Addressing the broader issue of governance, Osunbor criticised the approach of many political leaders, arguing that good governance should not be viewed as a privilege but as a fundamental necessity for national development.
“Good governance is not a favour; it is an essential tool for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he asserted. “Citizens must hold political office holders accountable, ensuring that development projects are not mere propaganda or white elephant projects designed for personal enrichment.”
He further advised that the true measure of a lawmaker’s effectiveness should not be the sheer number of bills or motions they sponsor but rather the number that successfully pass into law and have a tangible impact on governance.
Osunbor commended the establishment of Glorious Vision University in Esanland, noting its potential to enhance research and development in the region. He called for the strengthening of legal frameworks to support governance and development efforts across the five Local Government Areas in Edo Central Senatorial District—Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Igueben.
He concluded by advocating for a structured approach to law and governance in Esanland, ensuring that both traditional and modern governance mechanisms work in tandem to drive progress and prosperity in the region.
