Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has canvassed for constitutional recognition of the traditional stool in the country to strengthen the institution in tackling the diverse responsibilities before it.

He said the agitation by traditional rulers for constitutional recognition is not a privilege but an important demand because of the role they are playing for the stability of communities and the nation at large.

Uzodinma made the appeal while presenting a keynote address at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, NCTRN, held recently in Lagos State.

He noted that the theme of the meeting, which centred on the relevant roles traditional institution plays, especially in the area of communal peace and orderliness, was not only appropriate and necessary, but reflects the reality that traditional rulers across the country continue to carry out responsibilities that are essential to the stability, cohesion, and governance of communities.

The Imo State number one citizen added that such responsibilities, which are largely formal but acknowledged, should now have a legal backing in the constitution.

He maintained that the absence of a constitutional role for the monarchs is a gap that ought to be filled with immediate effect.

“I believe the time has come to make it right, and not necessarily by creating a new role but by giving legal status to what already exists.

“The traditional institution is very unique in the architecture of power, attracting the best of the nation from politics, law, the military and academia,” he said.

The Governor, however, advised the monarchs to remain non-partisan in order to preserve their integrity.

Uzodinma canvases constitutional roles for traditional rulers