Babatunde A.
Recent events surrounding the Emir of Kano’s case have highlighted a concerning trend: state Governors have consistently wielded significant control over traditional rulers, effectively silencing and marginalizing them. This undue influence has rendered traditional institutions ineffective, preventing them from fulfilling their intended roles. The dynamic between Governors and traditional rulers has become increasingly imbalanced, with Governors exerting excessive authority and suppressing the autonomy of traditional leaders. This situation underscores the need for reform and a rebalancing of power to ensure traditional institutions can function independently and effectively.
The National Assembly needs to repeal laws that empower state Governors to depose traditional rulers, a timely intervention aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and autonomy of traditional institutions. This bold step seeks to address the long-standing issues of political interference, abuse of power, and erosion of traditional authority that have plagued the relationship between state governments and traditional rulers. By repealing these laws, the National Assembly can help restore the independence and dignity of traditional rulers, promote political neutrality, and ensure a more balanced distribution of power between state and traditional authorities. Here are five key reasons why this repeal is necessary..
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Traditional rulers are the custodians of their communities’ cultural and social systems. Allowing Governors to depose them can erode their authority and undermine the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional governance structures.
Checks and Balances: Empowering Governors to remove traditional rulers can lead to an imbalance of power, potentially resulting in abuse of power and political interference in traditional institutions. This could compromise the independence and impartiality of traditional rulers.
Political Neutrality: Traditional rulers must remain politically neutral to serve their communities effectively. If Governors have the power to depose them, it may coerce traditional rulers into political alliances or discourage them from taking stands that may not align with the Governor’s interests.
Community Stability: Traditional rulers often serve as mediators and custodians of peace in their communities. Arbitrary removal by Governors could lead to unrest and destabilization within these communities, affecting local governance and social harmony.
Legal and Constitutional Clarity: Repealing these laws can lead to clearer legal and constitutional boundaries, ensuring that traditional institutions operate within their intended scope without undue political influence. It helps define the separation of powers between traditional and state authorities.
By repealing these laws, the National Assembly can protect the autonomy and integrity of traditional institutions, ensure a more balanced distribution of power, and foster stability and respect for cultural heritage.
LV