Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in Southern Nigeria has reaffirmed the vital role of traditional rulers in strengthening democracy and promoting good governance at the grassroots.
Governor Eno made the remark at the swearing-in of His Royal Majesty, Akuku Saviour Udofia, Paramount Ruler of Abak, as Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
He described traditional institutions as custodians of peace and unity, whose contributions remain indispensable to state-building.
“We treasure the role you play, especially at the grassroots level, and we want to show in practical terms that we care and remain dedicated to supporting your efforts,” the Governor said.
The event coincided with activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 38th anniversary
Speaking at the swearing-in of His Royal Majesty Akuku Saviour Udofia, Paramount Ruler of Abak, as Chairman Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Governor Eno described traditional institutions as“custodians of peace and unity”whose contributions remain indispensable to state-building.
“We treasure the role you play, especially at the grassroots level, and we want to show in practical terms that we care and remain dedicated to supporting your efforts,”he said.
Upgraded Support for Royal Fathers
To strengthen the demands of their office, Governor Eno announced new welfare packages for traditional rulers. These include an upward review of their monthly remuneration, provision of personal assistants, replacement of official vehicles, and a coaster bus for collective movement.
He further pledged health insurance for paramount rulers and their spouses:
“Trust us that we will continue to honour you, and in the same vein, we request that you continue to rally support for this government because it is in the peace of the people that we derive our peace,” the Governor explained.
Call for Collaboration with Local Governments
Governor Eno urged royal fathers to maintain cordial relations with local government chairmen, describing mutual respect as essential for service delivery.
“Even though chairmen are your children, you should acknowledge that they have a constitutional role to play as leaders of councils. There must be a symbiotic relationship where chairmen accord you respect as fathers, while you also support them to deliver,”he said.
He cautioned against rivalry in investor relations, noting:
Govenror Eno said; “Let me put to paid once and for all the issue of paramount rulers directing investors to talk to them when it has to do with oil and gas. Please, our fathers should allow local government chairmen perform their roles while working with you to welcome investors. Divide-and-rule systems only scare investors away.”
Continuity, Unity, and Peace
While inaugurating the new leadership of the Council, Governor Eno expressed confidence in their ability to sustain peace:
He said; “I know he will join us in promoting peace and unity in our state. We are all one people of the same kindred who are united in the pursuit of one critical item — the development of our state from rural to urban centres.”
The outgoing Chairman, Odidem Bassey Edet, who reflected on his tenure said: “Within this period, my time was full of turbulence. But I want to thank you, Mr. Governor, for your magnanimity in handling issues people thought would tear the traditional land apart. By the time it ended, it was marvellously done.”
Edet urged the new council leadership to focus on impact:
He said; “It is not just getting the position. It is to move the position forward. We have passed the stage of mere talk; now it must be qualitative.”
Traditional Institutions
Since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom has leaned on the wisdom of its traditional rulers to nurture peace and cultural stability.
Governor Umo Eno, the fifth democratically elected leader of the state, has reinforced this legacy by deepening respect for royal fathers and embedding their roles in grassroots governance.
By aligning traditional authority with democratic structures, the administration underscores the vision of Akwa Ibom’s founding fathers: a state where modern governance and indigenous wisdom walk side by side to secure unity, progress, and prosperity.
In the broader Nigerian context, the Governor Eno’s emphasis reflects a growing national recognition that traditional institutions are not relics of the past but living partners in democracy; bridging the gap between government and citizens, reinforcing accountability, and anchoring development in the values and identities of the people.