Regional security: Benin monarch tasks government on ECOWAS council of traditional rulers

The Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for the establishment of Council of Traditional Rulers to support efforts at riding the West African sub-region of cross-border crimes.

The Benin Monarch made this submission in a lecture entitled, “The Role Of Traditional Institutions In The Preservation Of Cultural Values And The Management Of National Security,” he delivered at the Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to him, traditional rulers are closest to the grassroots and are better placed to curb crimes by migrants leveraging on the close ties and shared values among ethnic groups in sub-region to carry out the unscrupulous activities.

He called for the creation of an Upper Chamber made up of traditional rulers to be empowered by member country’s constitution.

The Omo N’ Oba also canvassed for the establishment of Security Trust Fund from where money could be drawn to provide necessary equipment, training and other requirements, devoid of impediments in combating and prosecuting security challenges.

The monarch noted that the creation of Advisory Council of Traditional Rulers, would enable traditional rulers work with governments on matters of security in the sub-region.

He said: “Such mechanism would strengthen the role of head of states and governments through the share of intelligence and provisions of grassroots support, which traditional rulers represent.”

To strengthen the battle against insurgents, hoodlums and herders/farmers’ clashes, the Benin Monarch charged government to prioritise security, saying that though security is the collective responsibility of all, it still remains the primary responsibility of government.

He urged governments at all levels to ceaselessly act as catalysts through strategic planning, adequate funding of security agencies, forging effective and rewarding partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders in the sector.