Osinbajo visits Emir of Keffi, Shehu Yamusa III, backs constitutional role for traditional rulers

*Acknowledges vital roles of monarchs to national peace, stability

“Regarding the matter of the constitutional role of traditional rulers, l happened to take the view also that there should be a much more defined role, whether that law is constitutional or merely by legislation. But l believe that traditional rulership in our country have earned their place as arbiters in so many different ways, in security and justice at the local level and even politically. I think it is an issue we ought to deliberate more upon and reach some kind of acceptable conclusion.”

Nigeria’s Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), during a courtesy visit to the Sarki and Emir of Keffi Dr. Shehu Usman Chindo Yamusa III on Sunday at his Palace in Keffi Nasarawa State, acknowledged the vital roles that traditional rulers play in ensuring peace, security and stability in the country and thus backed constitutional empowerment for them.

VP Osinbajo, giving this acknowledgment, urged that such roles on the part of the monarchs must continue for the continued stability in the polity.

The vice president paid the courtesy call to the Emir as part of his itinerary in Nasarawa State, where he was also a Special Guest of Honour at the Keffi Polo Tournament held at Keffi Polo Ranch in the Emirate.

Responding to a question during an interview he granted and published by The DEFENDER, recently, the President of Keffi Emirate Council, Emir Chindo Yamusa III had expressed concerns that traditional rulers though were not neglected but rendered redundant.

The Emir, who was joined by Emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II during the Vice President’s visit to the Keffi’s Palace, however said that with the level of knowledge capacity and leadership training instilled in any Emir or king who must have gone through tutelage of his royal father from age 10 in the palace, that the only thing left is to be empowered by constitutional empowerment for the traditional rulers to be much impactful.

Emir Chindo Yamusa III Ph.D energy law, a former senior university lecturer and currently Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, added that security challenges that have cost government several billions to tackle can easily be tackled at the grassroots by respective traditional rulers if backed by constitutional role.

In what appeared to be his reaction to the published concerns of the Emir, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that traditional rulers have earned their place as mediators in many aspects of national life and proved that they are important in the scheme of things.

He said, “Regarding the matter of the constitutional role of traditional rulers, l happened to take the view also that there should be a much more defined role, whether that law is constitutional or merely by legislation. But l believe that traditional rulership in our country have earned their place as arbiters in so many different ways, in security and justice at the local level and even politically.

“I think it is an issue we ought to deliberate more upon and reach some kind of acceptable conclusion. And l feel very strongly that there should be a role, legal and constitutional role, for traditional rulers when it comes to that. I think it’s a very good idea and l believe that for the peace and security of our country, the respect and regards for traditional institutions must continue, and that has accounted for the stability of our polity for so many years.

The Vice President, who was warmly received on arrival in Keffi, thanked the Emir for the warm reception and assured of Federal Government’s support in ensuring stability in the state.

“Keffi is our neighbour in Abuja and Keffi has maintained good neighbourliness by ensuring peace and security at all times and l can assure your Royal Highness that we are very prepared and willing to give all that you have asked,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

Later at the polo game at the Keffi Polo Ranch, the Vice President presented the President Cup to the winners of the Keffi Polo Ranch Open Tournament, Imani club. The theme of the tournament was “In support of Education.”

Accompanying the Vice President to the Emir of Keffi’s Palace was the Governor of Nasarawa State, Arc. Umar Tanko Al- Makura, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Guwuna, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and Directoro of Information, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).