WHEN ELDERS SPEAK, WHO LISTENS? The Fading Voice of the Traditional Ruling Council in Ebonyi Governance

By Emmanuel Nwankwo T.

In Igbo culture, the Traditional Ruling Council is a big deal. They used to be the go-to people for making decisions in the community, settling fights, and keeping traditions alive. People respected them a lot. In Ebonyi State, you've got these traditional rulers – HRHs, Igwes, and Ezes – who have always helped shape the area, both politically and spiritually.

But things have changed. The Traditional Ruling Council in Ebonyi State isn't as influential as it used to be. People don't always listen to them, their decisions get ignored, and they're kind of just seen as figureheads now. So, what happened to these once-powerful councils? Are they still important? And if they are, how can we make them relevant again in Ebonyi today ?

This piece takes a closer look at the Traditional Ruling Council in Ebonyi State – its past, what it's up against, what it's done for the community, and what needs to happen next.

The Story of Traditional Rulers in Ebonyi State

From Afikpo to Onicha, to Ikwo, Ezza, Ivo and all over Ebonyi, the traditional system has always been a thing. Even before Ebonyi became a state in 1996, elders and respected leaders were sorting out problems, managing land, doing spiritual stuff, and making sure people behaved themselves.

After the state was created, the Traditional Ruling Council of Ebonyi State became a formal group of rulers representing different areas across the 13 local government spots. These rulers weren't just for show – they had real power, kept the culture alive, and were like spiritual guides. Having them involved in how the state was run meant that local issues got heard, and their palaces were places where people could get justice and work things out.

Back when Ebonyi was just getting started, these councils worked closely with the folks in charge. They gave advice on things like borders, land issues, disagreements between communities, and cultural stuff.

Why Their Influence Has Dropped

Even though they used to be highly looked up to, a bunch of things have made the Traditional Ruling Council less helpful and noticed in Ebonyi these days:

Politics Taking Over: The state and local governments often cut out traditional rulers when they're making decisions that affect the community. Their ideas are ignored, and sometimes they're just used as pawns in politics.

Culture Fading Away: Modern life and people moving to cities have weakened traditional beliefs and ways of doing things. A lot of young people don't even know who their local chiefs are, or respect them.

Political Appointments: Politicians have too much say in who gets to be a traditional ruler. Instead of picking people based on what they deserve or what tradition says, it's more about who's loyal and who they favor. This makes people trust the community less.

Not Enough Money: A lot of these councils don't have enough money to do cultural events or help the community develop. What they get paid is barely anything, and it's not even consistent.

No Real Power: The Council doesn't have the authority to really change policy. They can give advice, but people don't always take it seriously.

Stories from the Palace

All over Ebonyi State, you hear stories of traditional rulers who've been pushed to the side:

Some Kings  mentioned how land disagreements in his area were being settled in court without talking to the elders first, which just made things worse.

They also said that even though he invited government people to talk about the flooding that was ruining farmland, nobody bothered to show up.

Some kings shared that young people in his area look up to celebrities and online stars, but hardly anyone cares about the community's past or traditions.

These stories just go to show how disconnected the council is from how the state is run these days.

Why They Still Matter

Even with all these problems, the Traditional Ruling Council in Ebonyi State is still super important:

Keepers of the Customary Law: A lot of disagreements about land and inheritance still depend on old customs and what the elders say.

Peace Makers: When there are fights between communities, political clashes, or land disputes, traditional rulers are often the first people people turn to to make peace.

Cultural Identity: With festivals, these rulers keep cultural traditions alive and help everyone feel like they're part of the same community.

Community Mobilizers: Whether it's for things like vaccinations, censuses, or getting people to vote, no government thing works in rural Ebonyi unless the local rulers are on board.

Moral Guides: Traditional rulers can still enforce ethics and discipline in the community, especially out in the sticks where there aren't many police around.

The Disconnect Between Council and Government

There's a clear lack of teamwork between the Traditional Ruling Council and the Ebonyi State Government:

The State House of Assembly hardly ever asks traditional rulers to come to public meetings about policies that affect communities.

Local government leaders often do their own thing, talking to political party people instead of community elders.

When it comes to things that help the community (like building schools or roads), talking to the Council is seen as optional, not necessary.

This just makes government plans less successful and makes people resentful.

What Needs to Happen – Some Ideas

Legal Support: The Ebonyi State Government should make a law that officially recognizes the Traditional Ruling Council as an advisory group in how the state is run.

Training: Organize regular training sessions for the rulers on things like leadership, how the government works, and how to help people work out their issues.

Better Pay: Raise how much they get paid and make sure it's consistent so they can lead the community without having to worry about money.

Fair Elections: Create systems where the community gets to oversee how traditional rulers are chosen, without political parties interfering.

Community Talks: Have regular meetings between government people and traditional councils to agree on what the community needs.

Get Young People Involved: Traditional rulers should create youth groups and include young people in cultural events and decisions.

Keep Records: Encourage each royal family to write down their customs, laws, and history so that local knowledge doesn't get lost.

How the Ebonyi Traditional Ruling Council Can Help the Country

If they're used the right way, the Traditional Ruling Council of Ebonyi State can:

Help spot potential conflicts early on.

Represent Ebonyi's culture and promote it to the world.

Influence policies at the state level.

Help the community develop by using their connections with people from Ebonyi who live in other countries and their historical ties.

For example, in 2022, some Ebonyi rulers helped settle some land disputes after the government couldn't. That just shows that they're still useful when they're given the chance.

The Traditional Ruling Council of Ebonyi State isn't just a thing of the past – it's still around and kicking. If it's brought into the fold, it can help connect culture and how the state is run, modern ways with old traditions, and government power with what the people want.

The elders might not shout as loud as the politicians, but they carry the voice of wisdom, tradition, and trust.

As the world changes, we can't forget the things that have kept us going for centuries. When elders speak in Ebonyi, we need to listen, take action, and respect their role as the backbone of community leadership.

It's not too late to give them back their respect. But we need to start now.