THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Introduction

The traditional ruler ship in the early era of Nigeria community which keep to the laws and norms of the society and the governance of the traditional rulers created mutual relationship between the citizen and the leaders. Expressing strong concern for community development and mandating sanitation, meet the government as regard to community development project and citizen well being. The role of traditional rulers has been undergoing change as the democratic dispensation within the country develops. It has therefore become necessary that they redefine their role as heads of their polities within the framework of developmental efforts by the central government and its adjuncts; as well as, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (Wilhelmina. J. Donkoh, 2002: 105-114).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Traditional rulers Of Umunya, remain for a variety of reasons, important to the plan and realization of development projects within his area of control. Their core functions include recruitment of their communities for developmental purposes. This includes the provision of infrastructure for enhanced standard of living within the community. Sometimes, traditional rulers initiate development projects and secure the support of both internal and external development agents for the execution of these projects (Wilhelmina. J. Donkoh, 2002:105-114).

Traditional rulers work in conjunction with their subjects and therefore carry the whole community along to accomplish development projects that will be of benefit to the entire community. Thus, this study is aimed at finding out the role of traditional rulers in Umunya local government area of, Anambra State. Looking at the position and intensive key responsibility of traditional rulers in Nigeria community development has change. The role of traditional rulers in Nigeria as it concern to community development, in view of the fact of the introduction of local government reforms of 1976 in the said reforms, leadership roles were clearly expressed, which states that it is not the purpose of government to destroy the organic unity of the traditional institutions. The traditional emirate and chiefdom will remain, although their functions will be changed to accord with the present day circumstances. Although the paramount of chiefs was undone by colonial rule, traditional rulers have served as important adjuncts in the administration of post-colonial government in both Nigeria and Africa (William F.S. Miles, 2007).

This in effect rationalized the process for the selection, acknowledgment and roles of traditional rulers, therefore, formed the constitutional framework for traditional democracy, by a community selection of an satisfactory ruler. There were the warrant chiefs during the indirect rule system, and then colonial government recognized local chiefs, who performed as native court judges. The first class chiefs were recognized in the middle belt of Nigeria during the colonial era. All these sets of traditional rulers contributed in no small measure, to the upliftment of community development (ojo, 1976).

Therefore, in Umunya, Anambra State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Role of Traditional Rulers in Community Development.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Traditional rulers over the years from the pre-colonial society were the custodian of the people’s culture and tradition. They were also involved in the western government as introduced then from colonial days. Records had it that some traditional rulers were members of the house of Chiefs in the Northern part of the country during the period of 1944 − 1951.

Traditional Rulers also legislated along side with the Regional Houses of Assembly. The situation gradually changed as independence approached. It was worsened after independence. It became confusing that many issues were raised after the enactment of the 1979, 1989 and the 1999 constitutions. Some of the envisaged problems facing the traditional institutions are:

The constitution of Nigeria made little or no provision for traditional rulers.

1. Traditional rulers in the country are not well funded.
2. Corruption among traditional rulers had weakened their powers.
3. Many traditional rulers are easily manipulated by political and military leaders for their selfish purposes.
4. Many traditional rulers only reign and not rule.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the research is to unveil the roles of the traditional rulers in community development in Umunya, Anambra State, their impact in government and how they can contribute to a more viable united Nigeria. In achieving this sole aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine carefully the roles of traditional rulers in community development in Umunya, Anambra State
2. To evaluate their roles and effectiveness over the years to the present democratic government
3. To examine if they have become more or less relevant and determine why they are so as the case may be.
4. To make recommendations where appropriate to the local government and other levels of government towards the enhancement of the Nigerian polity.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Does the constitution enhance the roles of traditional rulers in the country?
• Does traditional rulers reigns without ruling?
• Do traditional ruler roles have positive impact on community development?
• Can traditional rulers be able to embark on community development programme(s) in Umunya?
• What are their problems in governance in Umunya, Anambra State?
• How have they lost their votes in modern governance in Umunya, Anambra State?
• How have they performed in their responsibility in Umunya, Anambra State?
• What precipitated the weakness of traditional rulers in Umunya, Anambra State?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: Traditional rulers cannot make a positive impact in community development programme in Umunya.
• H1: Traditional rulers can make a positive impact in community development programme in Umunya.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Traditional rulers will be ineffective in carrying out community development programme in Umunya.
• H1: Traditional rulers will not be ineffective in carrying out community development programme in Umunya.

1.7 Significance of Study

The research work is directed at contributing to knowledge of the Nigerian politics. These are:

1. It is aimed at knowing the relevance of the traditional institution, roles and contribution to the community development in Nigeria.
2. It is also significant in knowing the extent of involvement of traditional rulers in this democratic dispensation.
3. The study is also of great importance since it shall reveal the connectivity or relationship that exists among traditional rulers and community development government.
4. It shall also indicate the area of weakness so that improvement and adjustment can be made so as to improve the Nigerian state.

1.8 Scope of Study

The study focuses on the Role of Traditional Rulers in Community Development using Umunya, Anambra State as a case study.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

The study is carried out within the purview of traditional rulers in community development Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria. However, data shall be collected from the Umunya Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The reason is that the Researcher believes that he might not be able to access the state council of chiefs at the Federal level and Council of states. It was in consonant with the 1999 constitution that the Researcher chooses to study the roles of traditional rulers in the traditional council at the Umunya Local Government Area of Anambra State.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Local Government: The government at the grassroots level in a Federal system like Nigeria and headed by a democratically elected chairman or sole administrator appointed by the governor of the state.

Local Administration: This is the system of administration controlled by chiefs

Relevance: The importance or necessity, usefulness, etc. It could be operationalised as power or vote, etc.

Traditional Ruler: Any head or representative of a traditional institution. It could also mean the paramount ruler of a kingdom, emirate or locality.

Votes of traditional rulers: The power and influence of traditional rulers.

Role: This refers to the part a person or thing plays in a specific situation or operation. In this study, it is related to the expected functions that a rulers of a community plays or should play for the benefit of his subjects and community.

Tradition: It refers to a cultural continuity transmitted in the form of social attitude, beliefs, principle and convention of behaviors derived from past experiences and helping to shape the present. In this study, it portrays the legacy that the installed ruler will leave behind, the blue print that stands the test of time.

Community: A place in which an interacting group of people living in the same territory; town, village, suburb, or neighborhood. In this study, it means a trait or concern commonly shared by people, children, and youths in terms of social relations characterized by personal intimacy, emotional ties and social cohesion.

Development: Is regarded as a continuous process of positive changes in the quality and span life of a person or group of persons. Thus ‘Development’ used in this context is more meaningful when it has to do with progressive improvement in the quality and living standards of the people pertaining to their aspirations and resources at their disposal.

1.11 Proposition

• Peace and harmony in governance is the bedrock of national unity.
• Traditional rulers are the custodian of custom and tradition.
• Good governance with respect to the Nigerian democracy cannot be achieved without the grassroots mobilization.
• National development and progress shall be elusive without the support of traditional rulers.

1.12 Methodology

This encompasses how the researcher intends to carry out the study. It is divided into sources of data collection and data analysis.

Sources of Data: Data shall be collected from primary and secondary sources. In the case of the former, the researcher shall randomly distribute 100 questionnaires to people in Umunya, Anambra State. Twenty questions shall be asked and the questionnaire shall be collected the same day.

In addition, oral interview shall be applied. Here, the researcher shall adopt a simple random sampling by asking some dignitaries in the Local Government Secretariat and the Umunya palace questions. However, this interview shall be unstructured since the situation and respondents can be dynamic.

Finally, existing records and documents shall be cross-examined as they relate to the role of the traditional institution in the locality.

Data Analysis: The data collected shall be presented orderly for analysis. It is the intention of the researcher to use simple percentage in the analysis. Each question shall be analyzed by the responses of the people across the board. Finally a deduction shall be made from the respondents’ opinions and a conclusion shall be drawn to that effect.