Of governors and traditional rulers

Traditional rulers, especially emirs, belonging to the old Sokoto Caliphate in Northern Nigeria, are being tossed around like political football by their respective state governors. Even though this battle by governors to ensure effective dominance over the affairs of the traditional institution is as old as the advent of Nigeria, recently a renewed effort seems to emerge in the horizon thereby threatening the peace and stability of society.

In Kano State, the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had dissolved five emirates created by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and reinstated the previously deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. However, the newly deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero had, with the backing of federal security agencies, been ensconced in a mini palace leading to the existence of two claimants to the ancient throne of Kano.

This debacle, with its attendant plethora of court cases, which may in all likelihood take decades to resolve, has demystified the aura of reverence associated with the traditional institution. It has come to a stage where supporters of both emirs openly lampoon and castigate the opposing claimant without any form of reticence. This will lead to a pyrrhic victory for whoever emerges as the substantive emir, as they will be inheriting a diminished throne that may not have any relevance in the lives of Kano people.

While that is going on, in Sokoto State, seat of the Caliphate, Governor Ahmad Aliyu has proposed a new legislation empowering him to appoint and depose district heads, thereby clipping the wings of the sultan. The move has been seen by stakeholders as a first step towards deposing the sultan for allegedly telling the truth to power.

Even Vice President Kashim Shettima had to publicly caution the governor not to chew more than he can bite. While speaking at the North West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina, Shettima said, “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 jealousy guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the growth of our nation.”

As expected, the state government had debunked any insinuation that it was antagonising the sultan. “The state government urges Vice President Shettima as the No. 2 citizen to have full knowledge on issues of national concern before commenting on them. As an elder statesman and a father to all, he should have facts and figures before judging issues raised by mischief makers and the mushroom social media handlers known for negative propaganda. The fact of the matter is that there was never any attempt to sack the sultan nor have we sent him any threat regarding that.”

Despite the disclaimer, the governor went ahead to order the removal of 10 district heads under the Sultanate Council although the affected title holders have since rushed to court and secured an interim injunction restraining the government from removing them. They will now have their day in court.

Granted, the Nigerian constitution only recognises the power of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government to manage the affairs of citizens. Under this system, the State Houses of Assembly promulgate laws governing the appointment, deposition, powers and conduct of traditional rulers, which vest ultimate authority in the executive arm of government as personified by the governor.

However, the traditional institutions remain the symbols and defenders of our culture and heritage. They are also more accessible to and respected by the populace than even their elected representatives in the three constitutionally recognised tiers of governance. In recognition of this vantage position, governments have been using them as important tools of public service campaigns such as immunisation and school enrolment. They are also useful in fostering peace during communal conflicts.

We in Daily Trust believe that governors should not take any measures that will denigrate the status of our traditional rulers, as that would constitute an affront to our revered heritage.

We, however, acknowledge that in some instances, some traditional rulers are also the cause of their own predicament due to either insubordination to constituted authority or overdependence on the state governments for the financial needs of not only the institutions but also their personal and familial requirements. They should cease and desist in order to maintain their revered position in society.

We also call on all stakeholders to come together to propose a means of granting autonomy to our traditional institutions in matters of succession, appointment and deposition as well as the provision of endowments and grants for their fiscal sustenance.