ABSTRACT
Precolonial and colonial societies have witnessed the contributions of traditional institutions headed by traditional rulers in the protection of lives and properties in their kingdoms. However, while the nature of influence they previously enjoyed has been constitutionally trimmed in subservience to political leadership, their inclusion in contemporary security structures is critical towards engendering peace and security. Using purposive, network and convenience sampling techniques, data was collected from traditional rulers on the board of Amotekun, Commandants of Amotekun, Vigilante Organization of Nigeria, Oodua Peoples’ Congress, and Hunters’ Association. Findings showed that Amotekun was conceptualised to restore trust in the political leadership in the southwest, engender security, and rescue the economy of the region, among others. Traditional rulers played key roles in organizing the security summit which birthed Amotekun and were instrumental in mobilizing other traditional security organisations which formed part of the security outfit. Traditional rulers are included on the Board of the outfit which empowers them to advise and participate in the screening/recruitment process by ensuring that persons of impeccable character get employed into the outfit. The study shows that traditional institutions still play important roles in engendering peace in communities in post-colonial Nigeria if properly engaged and incorporated.
