Ikeja, Nigeria – July 26, 2025 – Traditional rulers in Lagos State have made a strong appeal to the state government, urging for an upward review of their monthly allocations and sitting allowances, along with a statutory share in local government revenue. The call was made during the opening session of a three-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional council, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul-Rasheed Shotobi, stressed the need for increased financial support to enable traditional institutions fulfil their expanding roles in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots development.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Traditional Institutions Through Collaboration for Strategic Growth and Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos State,” is aimed at fostering stronger synergy between the state government and traditional rulers. It also seeks to position traditional institutions as strategic partners in delivering improved governance and community well-being.
Oba Shotobi, in his address, emphasized that traditional rulers are burdened with more responsibilities now than ever before, including security coordination, conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and community development efforts. As such, he called for a significant review of their financial entitlements.
“The responsibilities placed on our shoulders have grown with time. To be more effective in our roles, we need a corresponding increase in our monthly allocations and sitting allowances,” the monarch asserted.
The revered royal father further proposed that five percent of local government revenues across the state be allocated statutorily to traditional institutions. He argued that traditional rulers are integral to community development and should be financially empowered to carry out their duties effectively.
“In every community, we are the first point of contact in crises, disputes, and developmental efforts. Our roles go beyond ceremonial; we are governance partners,” Oba Shotobi stated.
In a bold legislative suggestion, the monarch called for the Lagos State Government to enact a legal framework that would officially designate traditional rulers as custodians of land in the state. According to him, such legislation would affirm their historical and practical roles in land management, dispute resolution, and local planning.
“We are not in competition with political leaders,” he clarified. “We exist to complement governance through community leadership, advisory roles, and traditional oversight. It is important that the law reflects this enduring reality.”
Oba Shotobi also used the platform to advocate for constitutional recognition of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in addition to the 20 existing Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State. He urged the state to pursue legal reforms that would enable Lagos to officially increase its number of recognized LGAs to 57.
“This recognition will allow for a more equitable distribution of resources and representation. The LCDAs are closer to the people, and traditional rulers play active roles in their administration,” he said.
The monarch also stressed the importance of deeper collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in maintaining social harmony, tackling insecurity, and boosting economic development at the community level. He maintained that the traditional council remains committed to the peace, unity, and development of Lagos State.
“We reaffirm our commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, preserving cultural values, and supporting government efforts across all domains. Traditional rulers must be seen—and supported—as vital partners in driving Lagos’ growth,” he declared.
Other monarchs in attendance echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for a sustainable framework that would formally institutionalize the role of traditional rulers in governance beyond cultural functions. They collectively called on the government to provide regular training, empowerment programs, and infrastructural support for royal palaces to enhance their service delivery.
Representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development commended the monarchs for their insights and pledged to forward the resolutions from the retreat to the appropriate quarters for consideration. A senior official from the Ministry, who spoke off record, acknowledged that “the institution of kingship has remained a stabilising force in Lagos and deserves strengthened collaboration.”
The retreat is expected to conclude with a communique outlining actionable policy recommendations, including potential amendments to state laws that govern traditional institutions. Stakeholders from across the state government, civil society, and academia are also participating in the sessions, which feature panel discussions, strategy workshops, and cultural exhibitions.
Lagos State boasts one of the most diverse and influential arrays of traditional rulers in Nigeria, from the Oba of Lagos to the paramount rulers of Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, and other emerging urban centers. The monarchs play pivotal roles in conflict mediation, cultural preservation, and grassroots mobilization, especially in peri-urban and rural districts.
As Lagos continues to expand as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center and Africa’s fastest-growing megacity, the relevance of traditional institutions in shaping development policies and sustaining community harmony remains paramount. The outcome of this week’s retreat could be a turning point in defining that role for generations to come.
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