Traditional Rulers as Key Election Observers in Nigeria

Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye, the Eburu of Iba in Osun State, has highlighted the significant role traditional rulers can play as election observers to positively influence Nigeria's political process. He referenced the recent governorship election in Osun State, where his organization, the Centre for Rural Affairs and Community Development (CERACODE), deployed traditional rulers and professionals as observers.

Oba Okunoye, who is also a Professor of Business Analytics at a college in the Midwestern United States, established CERACODE to promote research and advocacy in rural affairs. He mobilized fellow traditional rulers to address concerns about potential election-related tensions, emphasizing their unique position to provide honest and impartial accounts of the electoral process.

CERACODE has been proactive in organizing international conferences on rural development and has sought to expand the role of traditional institutions in governance within existing legal frameworks, culminating in its registration as an election observer organization with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).