The traditional ruler of Obosi and Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, has condemned the removal of traditional rulers’ functions from the constitution.
Igwe Iweka was speaking at a conference in Enugu described the removal as “a huge mistake”.
He said, “Today, I give this good will message on behalf of my traditional rulers here present and those absent. I speak for the welfare of Ndi Igwe generally, in the state and the entire country.
“In 1979, traditional rulers’ functions were removed from the constitution.
“Since then, traditional rulers had been functioning without proper government recognition and backing.
” I believe that it is a loss to the country because traditional rulers are the ones on ground and the people are still believing and depending on us in security, tradition and otherwise.
Igwe Iweka explained that the Europeans appreciated the roles of functions of the traditional rulers.
“That was why they appointed warrant chiefs in communities that did not have traditional rulers.
“They knew that only the traditional rulers even at that time when there was no government like we have now, were the ones through whom they would effectively reach the people.
Relevance since time immemorial
The traditional ruler argued that traditional rulers have been relevant from time immemorial and still relevant until today.
“Despite the removal of the functions of traditional rulers from the constitution, people still believe in us and come to us in times of trouble, trial and tribulations.
“Therefore, seeing the relevance whoever suggested, and whoever agreed to remove the functions of traditional rulers from the Constitution made great mistakes.
“It is total deprivation from not just the traditional rulers, but from the masses.
“If you look at the traditional rulers using Anambra state as an example, we the traditional rulers come from all walks of life.
“We have retired Army Generals, doctors, engineers. “For Instance, in my committees, the one that represents us for media and communication is a retired media consultant.
“Therefore, our functions are undermined, underestimated and underused.
Restore our functions
“So, I put it to our people, the legislators, that it is very necessary to restore the functions of the traditional rulers.
“Give us constitutional roles so that we may do better jobs and engage properly in the governance of the nation.
“Generally, it is in the best interest of the people – from the governors down to the man and woman at the grassroots.
“It will do a great service to the country and much greater service to the people,” Igwe Iweka submitted.
