Olubadan Ladoja calls for traditional rulers’ security role

Olubadan urges formal security role for Nigeria’s traditional rulers

Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has asked the Federal Government to formally involve traditional rulers in the country’s security system, although details of his proposed framework remain unclear.

By BriefingAfrica Newsroom

Published 26 Aug 2026, 15:31 GMT+1Updated 26 Aug 2026, 15:31 GMT+11 source reviewed

Key facts

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, called for traditional rulers to receive a formal role in Nigeria’s security system.

The request was directed at the Federal Government.

BusinessDay Nigeria reported the call on 24 August 2026.

The available report summary does not specify the powers, responsibilities or legal changes proposed for traditional rulers.

Why it matters

Ladoja’s proposal raises the question of whether traditional rulers should move from an informal or undefined position to a formally recognised place in Nigeria’s security arrangements. Its practical effect cannot yet be assessed because the available evidence does not explain what duties they would perform, how they would work with existing authorities or whether legislation would be required.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on Nigeria’s Federal Government to give traditional rulers a formal role in the country’s security system.

The call, reported by BusinessDay Nigeria on 24 August 2026, seeks greater official involvement for traditional leaders. However, the available report summary does not state what specific security responsibilities Ladoja wants traditional rulers to assume.

It is also not yet clear whether the proposal would require new legislation, changes to existing security structures or an administrative arrangement by the Federal Government. No details were provided about how traditional rulers would coordinate with current security authorities or what limits would apply to any formal role.

The request nevertheless places the status of traditional institutions within Nigeria’s security arrangements on the public agenda. A formal role would need to be clearly defined before its operational significance could be determined, including the responsibilities assigned to traditional rulers and the government bodies expected to oversee or work with them.

The evidence supplied does not include a response from the Federal Government. It also does not indicate whether Ladoja proposed a nationwide model, a local structure or a timetable for considering the request.