Lagos Traditional Leaders Call for Higher Allowances and a Share of Local Government Revenue

 

Traditional rulers in Lagos State have appealed for enhanced financial support and formal recognition from the state government, emphasizing their expanding roles in community leadership and governance.

Speaking on behalf of fellow monarchs at the opening of a three-day retreat organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development at Ikeja’s Sheraton Hotel, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Shotobi, highlighted the need for increased monthly stipends and sitting allowances. He also pressed for a statutory allocation of local government revenue to traditional institutions to strengthen their capacity to serve grassroots communities effectively.

The retreat, held under the theme “Strengthening Traditional Institutions Through Collaboration for Strategic Growth and Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos State,” sought to build stronger partnerships between traditional leaders and government agencies to enhance local governance and social harmony.

Oba Shotobi pointed out that the rising responsibilities on traditional rulers—ranging from conflict resolution to community development—necessitate a review of their remuneration. He advocated that five percent of local government revenues be earmarked directly for traditional councils, reflecting their critical role in sustaining peace and driving local progress.

Highlighting administrative challenges, the monarch urged the government to provide greater institutional support to the 37 existing Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and to pursue constitutional amendments to officially increase Lagos’ recognized local government areas to 57. This move, he argued, would improve governance structures and resource allocation at the grassroots level.

Furthermore, Oba Shotobi called for legal recognition of traditional rulers as custodians of land—a status that would formalize their longstanding authority in land management and dispute mediation, reinforcing their integral place in Lagos’ sociopolitical fabric.

“We do not compete with elected officials; our role is to complement governance through advisory functions and community leadership,” the monarch stated, reaffirming the commitment of traditional rulers to preserving Lagos’ cultural heritage, mediating disputes, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

In closing, he emphasized that traditional leaders remain essential pillars of stability and development, deserving recognition and resources commensurate with their contributions to the state’s social and economic wellbeing.