Which local government reform in Nigeria prevented traditional rulers from engaging in politics?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which local government reform removed traditional rulers (emirs, obas, chiefs) from active politics and from controlling local government affairs.

Step 2: Key concept Before 1976, traditional rulers held great power in local administration, especially under the Native Authority system in the North and the Native Courts and Councils elsewhere. The 1976 Local Government Reform (under General Olusegun Obasanjo's military government) changed this in the following ways:

• It made local government a third tier of government with uniform structure nationwide.
• It introduced elected councils, with councillors chosen through elections.
• It removed traditional rulers from direct control of local government. Their role became advisory and ceremonial, mostly through traditional councils, so they were kept out of partisan politics.

Step 3: Check the options

• A. 1960: Independence year. No major local government reform barred traditional rulers from politics.
• B. 1963: Linked to the Republican Constitution and regional arrangements. Traditional rulers still held significant political influence.
• C. 1976: The Local Government Reform that separated traditional rulers from politics and made local government a distinct tier. This fits.
• D. 1979: The 1979 Constitution recognised and guaranteed local governments, but the key reform that removed traditional rulers from local politics had already taken place in 1976.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. The 1976 Reform.

Exam tip: Associate 1976 = Obasanjo = Local Government Reform = third tier of government. If you see "1976" in a local government question, it is very likely the answer.