Nigeria's traditional leaders are under attack.

In oil-rich Rivers State, Recent events in Rivers State. The relationship between Governor Sim Fubara and traditional leaders in Rivers State has been strained recently. This tension centers around the appointment of a new chairman for the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. It highlights potential conflicts between political interests and traditional leadership in the oil-rich state. Politicians offered traditional rulers development projects in exchange for backing their candidates. This internal conflict has significant implications for governance and traditional leadership in Rivers State.

In Kano, a trade and cultural hub, In Kano State, tensions have arisen between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and traditional leaders due to significant changes in the emirate system. Former Governor Ganduje divided the Kano Emirate into five emirates in 2019, a move that was controversial and seen as divisive.

Governor Yusuf recently repealed this decision, retreating Kano to a single emirate and removing the five newly established emirs. This included reinstating Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020, as the sole Emir of Kano. The change aims to restore unity and preserve historical integrity, but it has also sparked political and legal disputes. Heavy security has been deployed to manage the situation politicians use religious and ethnic connections to influence traditional leaders.

Sokoto, the center of the Caliphate, In Sokoto State, there have been recent tensions between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. This situation developed following Governor Aliyu’s decision in April 2024 to depose 15 traditional rulers in the state. Concerns have been raised by a Muslim rights group, which fears that the governor may also plan to remove the Sultan from his position.

The exact reasons for the disagreement are not entirely clear but appear to relate to the governor’s authority over traditional rulers. Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of the Sultanate as an institution, highlighting its significance beyond Sokoto. Meanwhile, the Sokoto State government has denied any intention of deposing the sultan.

This meddling has serious consequences:

• Communities become divided.
• People lose trust in traditional institutions.
• Local governance is disrupted.

Leaders who refuse to be used are often threatened or even removed from their positions, creating fear and instability.

The Solution:

• Legal protections are needed to guarantee traditional leaders' financial independence and neutrality in politics.
• By taking these steps, Nigeria can ensure its traditional leaders remain respected and effective even in the face of growing political pressure.