According to President Bola Tinubu, traditional leaders are the most direct conduit between the government and the people.
Speaking on Friday in Lagos at the publication of the memoirs of His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr) Samuel Olu Falae, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu called on monarchs to act as peacebuilding agents.
The president, who was accompanied by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that traditional institutions are still essential to government.
“The closest connection between the government and the people is our royal fathers.”
Tinubu declared, “Your palaces must remain centers of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and moral guidance.”
The president gave the traditional leaders the responsibility of actively tackling the nation’s security issues and fostering harmony among various communities.
Beyond their ceremonial responsibilities, he argued, royal fathers must act as stabilizing forces inside their realms, using their power to promote harmony and bolster social cohesiveness.
According to Tinubu, “security and peace are collective responsibilities, not just the government’s.”
Additionally, he urged kings to create unity among their realms, discourage violence, and encourage communication.
Political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community attended the ceremony, which the President described as more than just a formal book launch; rather, it was a reflection on Oba Falae’s leadership, service, and national ethos.
He praised Oba Falae’s legacy in public service, economic management, and cultural leadership and regarded him as a link between tradition and contemporary government.
From Falae’s management as finance minister to his current position as the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State, Tinubu described Falae’s career as a unique combination of traditional authority and technical discipline.
