Niger delta monarchs request roles in governance

The Forum of Traditional Rulers of the Oil and Mineral Producing Communities (TROMPCOM) in Delta State has asserted that the Niger Delta region has struggled to achieve sustainable development due to the absence of constitutional roles for traditional rulers. The monarchs expressed their willingness to contribute but noted their frustration at lacking the authority to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

TROMPCOM made this statement during a one-day capacity building workshop on emerging trends in rural governance, hosted by the Community and Rural Development Unit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for TROMPCOM executives in Delta State. The workshop was held on Saturday.

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Speaking to the press after the event, His Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom and Chairman of TROMPCOM, praised the NDDC for organizing the workshop. He highlighted that traditional rulers are often at the mercy of the ruling government and expressed the importance of the workshop in encouraging the rulers to understand their expected roles and how to fulfill them.

The workshop allowed the traditional leaders to discuss the modern challenges hindering sustainable development in the region. They identified significant issues with the Petroleum Industry Act that affect host communities and used the opportunity to offer suggestions and recommendations to be shared with relevant authorities.

The monarchs emphasized that, without constitutional backing, they face considerable challenges when trying to address community issues or confront potential abuses of power. The lack of formal authority has made their work difficult, as any efforts to hold individuals accountable often face resistance or frustration, due to the absence of clear, defined powers.

In his keynote address, Stanley Okereke, a climatologist and peace advocate who facilitated the workshop, urged all stakeholders—including government entities and oil companies—to collaborate and avoid working in isolation, stressing that failing to do so will only lead to further developmental setbacks. He emphasized that traditional rulers should use their indigenous knowledge as part of peace initiatives in the Niger Delta, recognizing that their involvement is crucial to preventing violent conflict and fostering sustainable development. Okereke stressed the need for a framework to integrate traditional rulers into peace and conflict management, asserting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace.