Nigeria’s traditional institutions have long played a critical role in the country’s peace, stability, and social fabric. These revered traditional leaders hold immense influence and authority within their local communities. They serve as custodians of our cultural heritage, arbiters of disputes, and key figures in maintaining law and order. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a concerning trend of state governors especially in the northern part of Nigeria dethroning or attempting to undermine and strip the powers of these traditional institutions through arbitrary actions.
One of the most high-profile incidents occurred recently, when the Kano State government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf suddenly moved to dethrone the respected Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, along with four other emirs, that of Gaya, Rano, Karaye and Bichi, and controversially abrogating the Kano Emirate Councils Law that constituted them. Amidst the tempest and uproar, the Kano state governor hastily reinstated his favourite Muhammadu Sanusi II. This decision was widely condemned by many Nigerians as a blatant attempt to consolidate political control over the traditional power structures in the state. The removal of Aminu Ado Bayero was viewed by many as a politically motivated act.
Similarly, in Sokoto State, the state government has proposed a controversial bill that would effectively strip His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who doubles as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community, of his powers and authority. The Sultan of Sokoto, who is widely respected across the country, has traditionally played a crucial role in maintaining religious harmony and resolving disputes within the Muslim community. The proposed bill, if enacted, would significantly undermine his ability to fulfill this important function.
Just yesterday the Sokoto State House of Assembly successfully completed the first and second readings of the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill.
The amendment bill, if passed into law, will strip the sultan of powers to appoint the kingmakers and will also strip the sultan of powers to appoint district heads without government approval, among other things. If enacted and signed into law by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the amended bill would significantly undermine the sultan’s ability to fulfill his functions.
Already, there are insinuations making rounds that the ulterior motive of Sokoto state government is to depose the sultan after stripping him of his powers in fulfillment of their campaign slogan, “Sabon gwamna, sabon sarki…” The allegations spread far and wide, attracting comments and reactions from cross-section Nigerians, and including someone as highly placed as the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who reprimanded the Sokoto state government at a function in Katsina on Monday. The vice president advised the Sokoto State government to protect and respect the Sultan of Sokoto as he’s an institution.
His words: “In all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, I want to use him as a point of reference to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here. And to the deputy governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto. But he is much more than that.He represents an idea. He is an Institution, that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”
The Sokoto state government quickly responded, claiming that the VP should have clarified the issue with the governor before going public on the purported plan to depose the sultan.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, the governor said Shettima should have contacted him to verify the news before commenting on what he termed as a ‘rumour’. Governor Aliyu said that the fact of the matter is that there was never any attempt to sack the Sultan.
Though, Governor Aliyu has the right to say that Shettima ought to have cross checked the facts before commenting on the matter, I stand with the VP and feel that what he said in Katsina sounds more like a warning to both Sokoto and Kano governors. And I am with him on this, our traditional institutions must be protected.
While Rabiu Kwankwaso and governor Abba Yusuf have already caused chaos in Kano by trying to remove Aminu Ado Bayero, we can’t afford another chaos in Sokoto.
I believe the VP’s statement was to checkmate whatever reckless move against the Sultan as the situation in Kano. The state governors would, sadly, create the problem for selfish reasons and then call on the federal government to intervene when things go bad.
The vice president has done the right thing and his statement has sent signal to the governor. For now, let’s wait and see what comes next in Sokoto.
However, recent actions by some state governments represent a concerning trend of undermining the traditional institutions that have been the bedrock of Nigeria’s social and political landscape for centuries. These traditional leaders are not merely symbolic figures; they wield real influence and authority within their communities, and their role in maintaining peace, stability, and social cohesion cannot be overstated.
The arbitrary dethronement of emirs and the stripping of the Sultan of Sokoto’s powers are not just attacks on individual leaders, but on the very foundations of Nigeria’s traditional governance structures.
Historically, these institutions have served as a counterbalance to the power of the state, providing a checks and balances and helped to prevent the abuse of authority before the erosion of their powers by both military and civilian governments.
Believe it or not, these traditional institutions still play a crucial role in mediating disputes, resolving conflicts, and fostering social harmony within their respective communities especially in the North. By undermining their authority, state governments risk destabilizing the delicate social fabric that has held Nigeria together for generations.
It is therefore imperative that the government, both at the federal and state levels, take concrete steps to protect and preserve the traditional institutions that are so central to the country’s identity and well-being. This may involve enshrining the powers and autonomy of these institutions in the constitution, ensuring that any changes to their status are made through transparent and inclusive processes, and reaffirming the importance of their role in the country’s governance and social structures.
Additionally, it is crucial that the federal government intervene to prevent state governments from arbitrarily interfering with traditional institutions. The recent actions of the Kano and Sokoto state governments set a dangerous precedent that, if left unchecked, could lead to the erosion of traditional authority across the country.
By protecting the integrity and autonomy of traditional institutions, the federal government can help to ensure the continued stability and social cohesion of the country. These institutions serve as a vital link between the people and the state, and their preservation is essential for maintaining the delicate balance of power that has underpinned Nigeria’s democratic development.
The siege on traditional institutions, exemplified by the dethronement of the Emir of Kano and the proposed stripping of the Sultan of Sokoto’s powers, represent a concerning trend that must be addressed. The federal and governments must take decisive action to protect the autonomy and authority of these institutions, ensuring that they can continue to fulfill their vital functions. By doing so, the government can help to safeguard our stability and social harmony.
We all need to advocate that for constitutional reform that will not just recognize traditional institutions in our body of laws but also define the responsibilities of their offices. We should start by changing the way the traditional rulers are appointed. Presently, the state governors are increasingly influencing the selection of traditional rulers, a process that should be protected from political interference. Thus, reforms are needed to insulate them from partisan politics, protect them from state governments and stabilize the process of succession. State governors should respect traditional customs and work with traditional rulers to maintain peace and order in their domains. Meanwhile, they should also stop ‘hobnobing’ with politicians. They should only exercise their rights to vote as a citizens and not use their positions to ‘trade’ favours. This is why they are gradually losing their footholds and respect.
Traditional institutions have been integral to Nigeria’s system of governance for centuries. Incorporating their powers into the constitution would formally recognize their important place in the country’s political and social structures.
Of course, any constitutional amendments would need to be carefully crafted to strike the right balance between the powers of traditional institutions and the authority of the state. It would be important to define the specific roles, responsibilities, and limits of traditional leaders’ powers to avoid potential conflicts or abuses.
Finally, the process of amending the constitution should be inclusive, transparent, and involve extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and the general public. This would help ensure that any changes truly reflect the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse population.
