By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubairu Jibril, has identified constitutional ambiguities and political interference as major constraints limiting the effectiveness of traditional rulers in Nigeria, despite their critical role in sustaining peace and stability.
Delivering a keynote address at the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Strategic Forum, the monarch emphasized that traditional institutions remain indispensable to Nigeria’s peace architecture and should be formally integrated into governance and security frameworks.
Describing traditional rulers as “communication anchors,” Emir Jibril noted that their unique position within both government and community structures enables them to translate public policies into culturally relevant messages while also conveying grassroots concerns to authorities.
He argued that achieving sustainable peace goes beyond ending violence, stressing the need to transform relationships and societal narratives.
Drawing on Conflict Transformation Theory and Social Identity Theory, the Emir explained that in a diverse state like Kaduna, traditional leaders play a pivotal role in shaping collective identities, moderating intergroup perceptions, and bridging divides that often fuel conflict.
Reflecting on the Birnin Gwari crisis, he observed that the breakdown experienced in the area was not solely a failure of security mechanisms but also a collapse of communication and trust.
According to him, traditional leaders intervened by rebuilding dialogue, deploying culturally grounded mediation strategies, acting as early warning systems, and promoting narratives of peaceful coexistence.
He further noted that evidence from states such as Taraba shows that formal security interventions often fall short when traditional institutions are excluded from conflict resolution processes.
While commending the Kaduna State Peace Model for recognizing the role of indigenous institutions, the Emir cautioned that challenges such as inadequate constitutional clarity, political interference, limited resources, and waning influence among younger generations continue to hinder their effectiveness.
He called for the institutional inclusion of traditional rulers in security councils, enhanced capacity in mediation and digital communication, and stronger collaboration with non-governmental organizations.
Without effective communication anchored by traditional institutions, he warned, policies on development and food security may fail to achieve meaningful impact.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) Croc City 2026, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, underscored the strategic importance of traditional rulers as credible intermediaries between government and grassroots communities.
He described monarchs as “the original communicators,” whose voices carry historical authority and moral clarity, urging them to adopt structured public relations approaches to reinforce peacebuilding and food security efforts.
Badejo-Okusanya outlined key strategies, including the use of coordinated communication channels across palaces, markets, and religious centres; proactive rumour management and crisis response; stakeholder engagement with government and civil society; community listening mechanisms; and storytelling to promote unity and shared identity.
Also speaking, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted the impact of the Kaduna Peace Model in strengthening conflict resolution, restoring trust, and promoting social cohesion across the state.
Representing Governor Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Lagos, stressed that the success of government policies depends largely on effective communication.
He noted that policies often fail not because they are poorly designed but due to inadequate communication, emphasizing the need for clear, inclusive, and consistent messaging that enables citizens to understand and access government support.
Mamman Lagos reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening communication channels between state and local governments, leveraging traditional institutions as trusted voices, and building the capacity of local officials to engage effectively with communities.
He called on the media, civil society, development partners, and citizens to play active roles in promoting accountability and constructive engagement, warning that food insecurity remains a major driver of poverty, instability, and social challenges.
The forum, themed “Kaduna State Peace Model: Traditional Leadership and National Stability,” underscored the growing recognition of traditional institutions as vital partners in governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
