Martha Obi, Abuja
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, has called for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s traditional institutions, stressing that their restoration is crucial to addressing security issues and moral decay.
Atuwatse made the call while delivering a lecture on the topic “Strengthening Family Values for National Security: The Role of Traditional Institution” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria on Exercise Haske Biyu in Jaji Kaduna.
He urged the government to empower monarchs with constitutional backing to strengthen national security and uphold societal values.
The monarch argued that traditional institutions hold the key to restoring order.
“We Are at War but Not with Bullets,” he said.
Ogiame Atuwatse III emphasised that the real battle Nigeria faces today is not one fought on battlefields, but in homes, schools, and hearts”, he said.
The monarch made it clear that “victory comes from God”, but the “courage to fight for legacy comes from us.”
“The family is the first and most powerful institution for moral formation,” Ogiame said, stressing that “when families are weak, society suffers”, he added.
“Traditional Institutions (are): The Last Line of Defense”, he stressed.
Ogiame Atuwase III believes monarchs still serve as the moral backbone of their communities.
He called for a rethink of their role in governance, arguing that traditional rulers must be recognised by the Nigerian Constitution and given the resources needed to maintain local security.
“Traditional rulers have long played the role of mediators and peacekeepers, but without constitutional backing, they are powerless to truly enforce justice,” the monarch noted.
A Call to Action
The Olu of Warri lamented that traditional rulers were often left to manage security challenges without adequate support, with state agencies turning to them for intelligence and conflict resolution.
He called on the Nigerian government to empower these institutions with the legal tools and resources to effectively combat crime.
He noted that the battle isn’t just political, it’s cultural.
“This is not about politics or policy. It’s about fighting for values, for legacy, for what truly matters,” he said.
The monarch urged Nigerians to adopt a more collective approach to raising the next generation, where “stories of morality, discipline, and respect for community take center stage in homes and schools once again.”
He echoed the wisdom of previous generations through the power of oral traditions such as story telling in shaping society’s values.
“Our traditional institutions were the original storytellers, we must use the power of narrative to reshape the moral fabric of our society, he said.
As he wrapped up his address, the Olu of Warri reminded the audience that true change begins with individuals, families, and communities committing to uphold the values of “integrity, honor, and discipline.”
Shaping Tomorrow, Not Preserving the Past
The monarch stressed that traditional institutions must evolve not by clinging to old ways, but by preparing future generations to lead with the same wisdom and responsibility their forebears held.
“We are planting seeds today for a legacy that will stand tall tomorrow, before offering a final call to arms: “Let us build it, and let us win for ourselves and for generations yet to come”, he said.
With traditional institutions standing as both custodians of heritage and stewards of national security, Ogiame Atwase III’s address serves as a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of the monarchy in Nigeria’s fight for a more secure, morally grounded future.