President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s traditional rulers to play more active roles in tackling insecurity and fostering unity across the country.
The President made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos during the launch of the autobiography of Oba Samuel Oluyemisi Olu Falae, urging royal fathers to go beyond ceremonial duties and act as stabilising forces within their communities.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu stressed the need for traditional institutions to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen grassroots cohesion.
“Peace and security are not solely the responsibility of government; they are collective duties,” the President said.
He urged monarchs to encourage dialogue, discourage violence, and serve as frontline agents of peacebuilding, noting that their closeness to the grassroots makes them critical to national stability.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Tinubu described Oba Falae as “a bridge between tradition and modern governance,” praising his contributions to public service, economic management, and cultural leadership.
The President highlighted Falae’s career—from his time as finance minister to his current role as the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo—as a unique blend of technocratic expertise and traditional authority.
“Our royal fathers are the closest link between government and the grassroots. Your palaces must remain centres of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and moral guidance,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to enhance security, social harmony, and grassroots development.
He further described Falae’s autobiography as both a personal story and a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, noting that it offers lessons in perseverance, patriotism, and integrity for younger generations.
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community, as the President congratulated the monarch and expressed hope that his legacy would continue to inspire future leaders.