The needless politicisation of traditional institutions by some state governors in recent times is condemnable. The undue interference by governors in the affairs of traditional institutions, especially in emirate and chieftaincy matters across the country, is becoming embarrassing. The instant case is the ongoing tussle over the emirate in Kano State. As custodians of the peoples’ culture and traditions, the traditional rulers must be accorded the respect they deserve and be insulated from politics.
In May this year, Lamido Sanusi Sanusi the 14th Emir of Kano, who had been dethroned by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf. With Sanusi’s return, Aminu Bayero, who replaced him, was sacked by the Kano State government. Bayero has gone to court, contesting his deposition. Sanusi and Bayero are currently laying claims to the throne.
In Sokoto State, there were rumoured plots to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, by the state government. The weight of the allegation prompted the Vice President Kashim Shettima to issue a veiled warning to the governor, Ahmed Aliyu, reminding him that the seat of the Sultan is one that should be nurtured.
Shettima made the remarks at a Northwest Security summit in Katsina, attended by the Sultan and the Sokoto State Deputy Governor who represented the governor. He said: “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 must jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the good of our nation.”
Apart from the Vice President, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also raised the alarm over the alleged plot to depose the Sultan. The alert by MURIC was prompted by the passage of the Emirate Council Amendment Bill, by the Sokoto State House of Assembly which seeks to strip the Sultan of Sokoto of certain powers.
According to the bill, the Sultan will need to obtain approval from the state government before appointing kingmakers and district heads, a move that critics described as a direct attack on the traditional institution of Sokoto State. Criticisms against the bill came on the heels of the governor allegedly removing 15 traditional rulers in one day. However, Governor Aliyu has denied moving against the Sultan.
In a recent case in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo suspended the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Damian Ezeani, in Anaocha Council Area for conferring chieftaincy title on the Senator, representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah. Two other monarchs, Igwe F. E. Ebelendu of Agulezechukwu in Aguata and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South were also faulted by the government for conferring chieftaincy titles on the lawmaker.
The Anambra State government accused the monarchs of breaching the code of conduct on conferring such titles, a claim the traditional rulers in the state disagreed with. The affected traditional rulers were coerced to withdraw the titles and apologise to the state government.
Such interferences in chieftaincy affairs have led to the desecration of traditional institutions and devaluation of traditional rulers. We condemn the shabby treatment meted to traditional rulers and urge the governors to accord dignity to them. On no account should traditional rulers be treated with contempt and condescension. The politicisation of traditional stools will deepen the alienation between the people at the grassroots and the government. It is sad that politics has eroded the sacredness and sanctity of the royal stools.
Let the governors desist from distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional rulers. Most of the traditional rulers in Nigeria are highly educated. Their experiences cut across the bureaucracy, military, police, business, media, diplomacy and others. The government should use their experiences to ensure good governance at the grassroots.
There is need to clearly define the roles of traditional rulers in the ongoing constitutional reforms in the National Assembly. The traditional rulers should be relevant in ensuring security and good governance at the local governments. At a time of rising security challenges across the country, we believe that traditional rulers can play crucial roles in securing the local communities and assist in maintaining law and order.
Therefore, the royal fathers should be adequately empowered to ensure peace and security at the grassroots level. The royal fathers can only do this if they are respected by the governors. However, the royal fathers should distance themselves from politics and concentrate on their traditional duties.