Expressing his concern, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarms about the increasing influence of state governments in disrupting the traditional process of appointing traditional leaders.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday through X, underscored the vital role traditional institutions play in Nigeria’s governance system and urged for measures to shield them from unwarranted state interventions.
He remarked on the growing trend where state authorities are meddling with the mechanisms governing the appointment of traditional rulers, stating, “The stability and integrity of traditional institutions must be upheld amidst such state interference.”
While acknowledging that traditional leadership falls within the remit of state governance, Atiku emphasized their pivotal role in maintaining stability within communities and the larger society.
“Preserving traditional institutions from arbitrary state interventions is paramount,” declared Atiku, highlighting the importance of traditional rulers in preserving peace and order, asserting, “An unstable succession system for traditional leaders can lead to disorder and unrest in communities.”
Despite the absence of formal constitutional recognition, Atiku noted the indispensable roles traditional institutions play in the economic and security fabric of their regions.
He further elaborated that “these traditional structures predated colonial rule and operated efficiently in governing the populace.”
Advocating for a constitutional overhaul to officially acknowledge and delineate the responsibilities of traditional institutions, Atiku argued that such a move is essential, particularly in light of the ongoing battle against terrorism and various security threats at the grassroots level.
Atiku also called upon state governors to show reverence towards traditional institutions, stressing, “The customs embodied by our traditional rulers are the essence of our cultural heritage.”
In a recent development, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, four years after being deposed by former Governor Umar Ganduje.
Furthermore, the governor deposed five emirs appointed by Ganduje, ordering them to vacate their official residences and palaces within 48 hours and hand over all responsibilities to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Among those affected by the directive were the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero; Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II; Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, and the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Kabiru Inuwa.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern recently voiced concerns over alleged plans by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In a statement, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed apprehension about the potential action, especially amidst the ongoing controversies and tensions following the dethronements of several monarchs in Kano State.
Governor Aliyu had earlier deposed 15 traditional rulers for various infractions.