A Nigerian Economist based in the United States of America], Dr. Samuel Enajite Enajero, has identified factors retarding economic development in Nigeria.
While delivering a paper titled, ‘Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria, Particularly Okpe Kingdom, delivered at the 94th Anniversary of Okpe Union in Lagos, Enajero said that past-binding and future-binding are the two types of ceremonial encapsulation that retard economic development in Nigeria.
According to him, it is in past-binding ceremonial encapsulation that existing value systems are a source of pride that binds a community. Here, he said, there is every attempt to preserve existing ceremonial values because they support a distinct symbol of the community.
He said: “Traditional values, ethnic competition in the use of resources, suppression of women in communities and religious beliefs exemplify past-binding ceremonial encapsulation in a society.
The leading expert on public choice/public finance noted that the monarchies were relegated and restricted to their palaces to play ceremonial roles. He attributed strong European influence in the world today to the displacement of ceremonial rationality in their culture.
The author of the book, ‘Collective Institutions and Industrialised Nation,’ said that indirect rule resulted in a complete ceremonial encapsulation of every instrumental institution Nigeria inherited from Britain.
Enajero advised the Federal Government not to strip off the titles of the countless Nigerian monarchies, noting that their role in secular society, if any, should be made clear.
He said: “The Royal Family attracts visitors to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, among others, and these have become tourist attractions that generate, on the average, $715 million per year for the United Kingdom (UK) economy.”
