South-West Constitutional Review Public Hearing: Oba Olugbenle Renews Call For Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers, Advocates Tangible Outcomes (+photos)

… Royal Presence Highlights Traditional Interest in Reform Process

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, has reiterated the importance of traditional institutions in Nigeria and renewed his advocacy for their formal inclusion in the constitutionally defined structure of governance.

The royal father, who also served as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, made this appeal on Friday, July 4, 2025, during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing of the Senate on the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. The session took place at the Watercress Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

Oba Olugbenle stressed that traditional institutions have historically played indispensable roles in promoting peace and stability, particularly at the community level.

He highlighted their relevance in conflict resolution and grassroots mediation, noting their long-standing contributions to nation-building.

The Olu of Ilaro expressed hope that the hearing would go beyond deliberations and lead to the actual passage of important constitutional amendments.

He emphasized the need for outcomes that reflect the will and participation of the people.

The Senate’s constitutional review exercise is a two-day public hearing being held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It is aimed at deepening citizen involvement in the process of governance and constitutional reforms.

The Lagos session was chaired by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and was attended by several senators. Discussions focused on a wide range of constitutional matters including state creation, boundary adjustments, and enhancing the role of traditional councils.

One of the major agenda items was a bill titled: “An Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers, State Councils of Traditional Rulers, and Local Councils of Traditional Rulers.”

This bill aims to institutionalize and strengthen the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance framework.

The event drew several notable dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Also present were Senator (Aremo) Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) representing Ogun West, Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu.

The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, was in attendance alongside the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi.

A large number of traditional rulers from across the South-West attended the hearing, demonstrating the royal institution’s vested interest in the constitutional reform agenda. Distinguished among them were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, among others.

Oba Olugbenle’s continued push for clearly defined roles for traditional rulers in the Nigerian constitution was once again affirmed at the hearing.

His consistent advocacy over the years was acknowledged by the Ooni of Ife, who affectionately referred to him as “Comrade” when inviting him to speak, highlighting his dedication to national discourse and reform.