The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the abolition of state governors’ authority to depose monarchs, emphasizing the need to preserve the sanctity of traditional institutions and prevent political meddling.
This demand comes in the wake of the recent dethronement of five emirs in Kano State and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020.
The situation has ignited a political crisis in the state, prompting widespread calls for a reassessment of the laws that grant governors the power to remove traditional rulers at their discretion.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, stated that the organization has long advocated for the repeal of these laws to shield traditional rulers from political manipulation.
“The city of Kano is currently engulfed in a crisis as Governor Abba Yusuf deposed five emirs and reinstated Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was removed from his position on Monday, March 9, 2020.
“MURIC is shocked by these developments. It is not only embarrassing but also confusing, to say the least, as we struggle to avoid any explosive outburst.
“Politicians aim to weaken, destabilize, and ultimately dismantle the traditional system. Governors have corrupted the traditional system just as they have undermined the local government system across the country.”
“The display of power in Kano over the past 48 hours is symptomatic of a serious decay and poses a significant threat to our nascent democracy. Traditional rulers are becoming victims of political machinations, and the fear of a total collapse of traditional values looms over us like the sword of Damocles.
“It is no secret that governors act with political motives in mind. We strongly condemn how two governors, both past and present, have turned the revered throne of the ancient city of Kano into a pawn in their political game, disrespecting traditional rulers by pushing them around.
“MURIC has consistently maintained that governors should no longer have the authority to dethrone traditional rulers, and we have voiced this stance on numerous occasions.”
“The current spectacle in Kano highlights the urgent need for Nigerians to oppose the governors’ excesses. It’s time we demand that our lawmakers protect traditional rulers from disgraceful, untimely, unnecessary, and politically motivated dethronements.
This change won’t make traditional rulers all-powerful. Those who misbehave can still be sanctioned by the kingmakers, who can suspend or dethrone them. The kingmakers provide adequate checks and balances for the king.
MURIC appeals to all stakeholders in the Kano conflict to tread carefully and refrain from making inflammatory statements.
Both sides have taken extreme actions in this saga. The deposition of Emir Sanusi in 2020, allegedly for insubordination, was an excessive measure.
However, ordering the arrest of Emir Ado Bayero following his removal is overly severe, particularly without clarifying his alleged offense. Revenge is reckless, and moderation is the way to uphold decency.
“We urge the people of Kano to stay calm and call on security agencies to steer clear of confrontation. Kano must not descend into chaos,” he said.