Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his concerns about the increasing influence of state governments in the appointment and removal of traditional rulers, a practice he believes is distorting the historical processes and stability of these institutions.
In a statement released on Tuesday via X, Abubakar underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance framework and called for their protection from arbitrary state actions.
“Recent developments in the country have seen a growing tendency of state governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools,” Abubakar stated.
Acknowledging that traditional rulership falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, he emphasized that these institutions are vital for governance and community stability. “And thus, traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of state governments that threaten their stability,” Abubakar declared.
He highlighted the significance of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and order, noting, “When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.”
Despite their lack of constitutional recognition, traditional institutions play essential roles in the economic life and security of their regions, Abubakar pointed out. He also remarked on their historical significance, stating, “The traditional institutions formed the governance structures before the advent of the colonialists. And they governed well.”
Abubakar called for constitutional reforms to officially recognize and define the responsibilities of traditional institutions, asserting that such reforms are critical in the collective effort to combat terrorism and other security challenges at local levels.
He urged state governors to respect traditional institutions, stating, “The customs that our traditional rulers represent is the totality of our heritage as a people.”
Recent events in Kano State illustrate the turmoil Abubakar is concerned about. In May, Governor Abba Yusuf reappointed Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, four years after his dethronement by former Governor Umar Ganduje. Additionally, Yusuf deposed five emirs appointed by Ganduje, giving them a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their residences and palaces, and directing them to hand over all affairs to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The emirs affected by this directive included Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano; Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, Emir of Bichi; Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II, Emir of Karaye; Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, Emir of Gaya; and Alhaji Kabiru Inuwa, Emir of Rano.
Further concerns arose from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Monday, when they raised alarm over an alleged plan by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed worry over this potential move, which comes amid the controversial deposition of several monarchs in Kano State. Governor Aliyu had previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offences.
