Otti Seeks Overhaul of Traditional Rulership to Boost Grassroots Governance

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for urgent reforms within the traditional leadership system, urging monarchs to return to their core responsibilities of community service and moral leadership.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, at the opening of an eight-day capacity-building workshop for traditional rulers in Umuahia, the governor expressed concern over what he described as the commercialization of chieftaincy titles and the erosion of traditional values.

“Rather than uphold the dignity of their offices, some traditional rulers now auction chieftaincy honors to the highest bidder, often to individuals of questionable character,” Otti remarked, stressing the need to restore credibility to the institution.

The workshop, jointly organized by the state government and the Phriam Group, is designed to train monarchs across all 17 local government areas of Abia in conflict resolution, justice administration, and community mobilization.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, said the initiative supports Otti’s broader vision of a transparent and accountable leadership system that starts at the grassroots. He added that the training aims to transform traditional rulers into active partners in governance and development.

Echoing the governor’s sentiments, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, praised the government’s commitment to empowering traditional leaders and pledged that participants would put the knowledge gained into practice to improve peace and unity across their communities.