Traditional rulers in Nigeria hold a unique and multifaceted positions in society, serving as custodians of tradition, cultural heritage, and social order. Their influence extends across various domains, impacting the lives of their subjects and contributing significantly to the overall development of the nation.
One of the primary roles of traditional rulers is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of their respective communities. They are responsible for safeguarding traditional practices, beliefs, and values, ensuring their transmission to future generations. This involves organizing cultural festivals, promoting traditional arts and crafts, and preserving historical sites and artifacts.

By upholding these cultural traditions, traditional rulers contribute to the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture and foster a sense of identity among their people.
Furthermore, traditional rulers play a crucial role in maintaining social order and resolving disputes within their communities. They act as mediators and arbitrators, settling conflicts peacefully and promoting harmonious relationships among their subjects. Their deep understanding of local customs and traditions enables them to navigate complex social issues and ensure justice and fairness.
This role is particularly important in rural areas where access to formal legal systems may be limited.
Traditional rulers also serve as intermediaries between the government and the people. They act as conduits of information, conveying the concerns and aspirations of their subjects to government officials and vice versa. This ensures that the voices of the people are heard and that government policies are responsive to local needs and priorities. By fostering communication and understanding between the government and the people, traditional rulers contribute to good governance and enhance the legitimacy of the state.

In addition to their cultural, social, and political roles, traditional rulers also play a significant role in promoting development initiatives within their domains. They encourage education, healthcare, and economic development, mobilizing community resources and fostering partnerships with government agencies and non-governmental organizations. By leveraging their influence and mobilizing community support, traditional rulers can contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of their regions.
The roles of traditional rulers in Nigeria are diverse and multifaceted. They are custodians of culture, arbiters of justice, intermediaries between the government and the people, and promoters of development. Their influence extends across various domains, impacting the lives of their subjects and contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the nation. As Nigeria continues to evolve, the role of traditional rulers remains vital in ensuring a harmonious and prosperous future for the country.
However, despite numerous roles being championed by the traditional rulers in their respective domains and areas of jurisdiction, it is quite unfortunate that their salaries and other entitlements are not paid regularly.

Federal Government has stated its position on certain percentage of allocation that is due to traditional rulers of each local government and that is why it was made known publicly that five percent (5%) of the total allocation sent to each council area is meant for the traditional rulers.
Research conducted shown that FG has not disappointed the custodians of cultural heritage over prompt payment that is due to them, but why reverse becomes the case when it gets to the hands of the state governors whom many of them have become emperors in their respective states.
Further findings revealed that the traditional rulers whose status are ranged from First Class Obas, Royal Highnesses, The King Makers, Chiefs, Baales and others in Oyo State are not getting their salaries and other entitlements as at when due.
It was revealed that the 5% of the total allocation accrued to each local government in the state is not obtained by the traditional rulers, but consideration is given to payment of half salaries and none sometimes.
It mostly affects all the traditional rulers in all Five Zones of Oyo State as many of them cannot fulfil all their statutory responsibilities which are penciled down to their respective domains and territories.
Salaries, and other allowances are not paid regularly as they need to sum up the monthly available money in order to enhance the reasonable share to one another in the subsequent months.
Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde led administration should passionately look into the affairs of the traditional rulers on how their due payments would be made without consideration to zonal, religious, political, sentimental, and acrimonious feelings.