Atiku: Traditional institutions must be protected from overbearing governors

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, says traditional institutions should be insulated from the “arbitrary” influence of powerful state governors.

Abubakar’s comments come amid attempts by some state governments to alter the age-long structure of traditional institutions in their domains.

In Kano, a protracted emirship tussle has seen Aminu Bayero refusing to relinquish his position as monarch, after the state government repealed a 2019 law and ousted him.

The government subsequently reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020, as emir.

On Monday, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleged that the Sokoto state government is plotting to dethrone Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, is reportedly enduring a strained relationship with Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Abubakar said traditional institutions must be shielded from the state. 

“Recent developments in the country have seen a growing tendency of state governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools,” the statement reads.

“It is a reality that stares us in the face from every corner of the country.

“While it is understandable that the institutions of traditional rulership is in the exclusive purview of the state government, although through the local government authorities, it must be established that traditional institutions constitute a component of our governance structure.

“And thus, traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of state governments that threaten their stability.

“When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.”

Abubakar said although the constitution does not recognise traditional institutions, history has proven that “they perform enormous roles in the economic life of their domains, as well as maintenance of peace and security in communities”.

“I wish to remind you that the traditional institutions formed the governance structures before the advent of the colonialists,” Abubakar added. 

“And they governed well. Consequently, they are institutions we must protect and preserve and not destroy.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the 2023 polls called for the review of the constitution to recognise traditional institutions and define the responsibilities of their offices.

He said the reform is important as the country grapples with terrorism and other security challenges.

Abubakar appealed to governors to “accord the necessary respect to the offices of traditional institutions”, adding that the customs traditional rulers espouse are the “totality of our heritage as a people”.