Traditional Rulers and Local Governance in Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Abstract

This article examined the evolving role of traditional rulers in local government administration, using Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as a case study. Although Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution recognizes only three tiers of government - Federal, State, and Local - traditional rulers continue to exercise authority in governance, cultural preservation, and conflict resolution. Guided by Traditional Authority Theory and Public Choice Theory, this study employed a case study design, using both primary and secondary data. A sample of 208 respondents was drawn from an estimated population of 180,000 residents in Kwali Area Council, utilizing stratified and simple random sampling. Descriptive statistical methods were applied in data analysis. Findings revealed that traditional rulers remain integral to grassroots governance, especially in rural areas where formal state institutions are under-resourced. They contribute significantly to land administration, social cohesion, cultural continuity, and dispute mediation. However, their roles are constrained by weak constitutional recognition, politicization, and generational shifts in values. The article argues for a pluralistic governance model that formally incorporates traditional rulers into local governance structures to enhance policy implementation, conflict management, and community mobilization. Policy recommendations include legal recognition, structured collaboration with local councils, and capacity-building programs. This study contributes to the literature on hybrid governance models in Africa by highlighting the resilience and adaptability of traditional institutions within Nigeria’s democratic framework.