By Waziri Isa Adam
The Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, delivered a lecture on traditional perspective of leadership at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The lecture, titled “Leadership: Traditional Perspective”, emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and societal stability.
The Emir, who spoke at a lecture session for students of Senior Course 48, explained that leadership is about influencing, inspiring, and guiding individuals towards achieving defined goals, and that the quality of leadership remains a critical determinant of national development.
He provided conceptual clarification on traditional institutions, describing them as long-established indigenous systems of governance rooted in culture, customs, and communal values.
He noted that such institutions continue to play vital roles in dispute resolution, social regulation, and community development, often complementing formal government structures. The Emir highlighted key attributes of effective leadership, including integrity, selflessness, courage, competence, foresight, and the ability to listen and prioritize community needs.
The Emir also outlined various leadership styles, including democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire, stressing the need for adaptability in contemporary leadership practice. On the structure and operations of traditional institutions, he noted that they historically served as primary organs of governance, managing communal resources, upholding cultural values, and resolving conflicts.
He explained that while leadership within these institutions has traditionally been top-down, modern realities now require a blend of both hierarchical direction and inclusive feedback mechanisms. The lecture examined key aspects of traditional leadership, emphasizing communal focus, respect for hierarchy, and adherence to cultural values as essential elements that sustain authority and legitimacy within communities.
Highlighting contemporary challenges, the Emir identified issues such as limited legal backing, resource constraints, and the need to balance tradition with modern governance structures. He noted that despite these challenges, traditional institutions continue to play significant roles in conflict resolution, security support, and cultural preservation.
In conclusion, the Emir underscored the enduring relevance of traditional leadership in Nigeria, advocating for stronger integration of traditional institutions into formal governance frameworks.
He emphasized that effective governance requires collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve peace, stability, and national development.
The lecture forms part of the College’s academic programme aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity of participants for higher responsibilities in national and international security environments. The Emir congratulated the students on their participation in the course, urging them to apply the knowledge gained in their future leadership roles, and commended the Commandant of the College for the opportunity to engage with participants and the institution’s strategic role in capacity building and leadership development within Nigeria and across Africa.