Former President Olusegun Obasanjo bemoan that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers are becoming traditional rulers.

In his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’ that was unveiled last week, Obasanjo lamented that many traditional rulers have abandoned their role as custodians of customs and societal values.

The former president spoke out against the selection processes of traditional rulers with many of them lacking the required training and moral standing. He said many unworthy and questionable individuals are being installed as kings and chiefs

“Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.

“This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he queried

Obasanjo opined that the honor and respect traditional rulers commanded during the colonial and early post-independence periods have now been lost.

He urged the country to replace the uninspiring and ignoble characters who now boastfully sit on traditional stools with men of integrity, honor and dignity who occupied the position in days of yore.

“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honor and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted.

“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back, and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness, not a liability.

“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers – the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all.” he added