Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, expressed concern over the increasing trend of state government interference in the traditional coronation process.
He made this call through a statement issued on his X handle, emphasizing the importance of protecting traditional institutions from the arbitrariness of state governments, ensuring their stability and recognizing their role in maintaining peace, security and economic development in their regions.
Atiku acknowledged that although the current constitution does not recognize traditional institutions, traditional institutions had played an important role in governance before colonialism and continued to do so.
He advocated constitutional reform to define the responsibilities of traditional institutions and offices, citing the need to address security challenges at the local level.
The former vice president also urged state governors to respect traditional institutions that represent the cultural heritage of the people.
The statement read, among other things, “Recent developments in the country indicate a growing trend in which state governments are using their influence to distort the modalities of enthroning traditional institutions.
“This is the reality we face across the country.
“While it is understandable that traditional institutions of governance fall within the exclusive purview of state governments, even through local government authorities, it must be established that traditional institutions are one component of our governance structure.
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“Therefore, traditional institutions must be protected from state government arbitrariness that threatens their stability.
“When the power structure of traditional rulers is unstable, maintaining peace and order in society will also become difficult.
“Even though our constitution, in its current format, does not give any recognition to traditional institutions, our experience shows clearly that these institutions have a very big role in the economic life of their regions, as well as the maintenance of peace and security in society.
“I want to remind you that traditional institutions formed the government structure before the emergence of the colonialists. And they rule well. Consequently, they are institutions that we must protect and preserve, not destroy.
“Therefore, it is on this basis that I lean towards advocacy calling for constitutional reform that not only recognizes traditional institutions in our laws but also defines the responsibilities of those institutions.”
His calls for reform and recognition came as state governors took action to depose and reinstate a number of first-class monarchs.
The Governor of Kano State recently facilitated a new law that allows the state government to depose the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and reinstate Sanusi Muhamed, who was removed from the throne by the previous administration.
Additionally, rumors have recently been circulating that the governor of Sokoto State is also planning to overthrow the Sultan of Sokoto from his throne.
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