By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Traditional rulers in Lagos State have called on the state government to increase their monthly allocations and sitting allowances, while also demanding a statutory share of local government revenue.
The appeal was made by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Shotobi, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers during the opening session of a three-day retreat organised for monarchs by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Themed “Strengthening Traditional Institutions Through Collaboration for Strategic Growth and Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos State,” the retreat aimed to foster synergy between traditional institutions and government for improved grassroots governance.
Oba Shotobi urged the government to review and increase the financial allocations and allowances extended to traditional rulers, citing the growing responsibilities placed on their offices.
He also advocated for the allocation of five percent of local government revenues directly to traditional institutions across the state, arguing that monarchs play crucial roles in community development and peacebuilding.
The monarch appealed to the government to give greater attention to the 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, and pursue constitutional backing to raise the number of officially recognized local government areas in Lagos State to 57.
Oba Shotobi also proposed the enactment of a legal framework that would formally recognize traditional rulers as custodians of land in Lagos, a move he said would affirm their historical roles in land administration and local dispute resolution.
He said: “We are not in competition with political leaders, but rather exist to complement government through advisory support and community leadership.”
The monarch reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to preserving Lagos’ cultural heritage, resolving communal disputes, and promoting peaceful coexistence across communities.
“We remain committed to unity and development in our domains. Traditional rulers are vital partners in governance and deserve recognition that matches their contribution to stability and growth,” he added.