• Sultan's alleged romance with PDP draws government’s ire
• Two Emirs reign in Kano
• Soun clashes with Grand Imam in Ogbomoso
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER – The chieftaincy matter involving the Sokoto State Government, the Sultan and District Heads is still brewing, even though some fence-mending is going on at the background.
On Friday, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, told 15 embattled Sokoto District Heads that they remain deposed in the eyes of the law.
A day earlier, a High Court sitting in Sokoto had restrained the state government from removing 10 district heads in the state.
The judge, Justice Kabiru Ahmed, gave the order dated 13 June in exparte applications by two district heads for maintenance of the status quo ante bellum.
The injunctive relief was to stay the hands of the Governor of Sokoto State, the Attorney-General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction filed before the same court and scheduled for hearing on July 23, 2024.
The complainants, Buhari Tambuwal, District Head of Tambuwal in Tambuwal LGA and Abubakar Kassim, District Head of Kebbe in Kebbe LGA, sued the Governor Ahmad Aliyu, the Attorney-General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, asking the court to restrain the defendants from further actions in connection with all matters dealing with the removal and or dethronement of district heads in Sokoto State.
Unfazed by the ruling, Barrister Nasiru Binji said the court order on the deposed district heads in the state has been vacated. He explained that the district heads stand deposed as the court order ceased to exist seven days after it was granted, citing Order 13 Rule 3(3) of the High Court of Sokoto State Civil Procedure Rules 2015.
“By the operation of Order 13 Rule 3(3) of the High Court of Sokoto State Civil Procedure Rules 2015, the order has abated (vacated) automatically. Because the order was made ex parte,” he said, adding:
“The duration of the order is seven days; the order was given on the 13th of June 2024, therefore it was vacated on the 20th of June.”
DAILY COURIER ckecks show that what is playing out in Sokoto is similar to what is happening in Kano at present. It is all about the politics of 2027. The opposition is being forewarned of dire consequences ahead.
Game Of Thrones: Two Emirs Reign In Kano
The intrigues that pitched two royal families: the Bayero and the Sanusi families in a supremacy battle in the ancient city of Kano boils down to the ego fight between politicians.
The politics of the ancient and prestigious Emirate of Kano has thrown up some controversial twists and turns in the last ten years. While not as dramatic and shocking as the popular American fantasy drama series, ‘Game of Thrones’, its latest twist is the stuff of a movie script where either a centuries-old tradition or politics wins.
It started when Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II beat Aminu Ado Bayero to succeed the latter’s father, Emir Ado Bayero, in 2014. Three months shy of six years later, he would be deposed for his predecessor’s son, Aminu Ado Bayero, amid a fallout with the state governor at the time, Abdullahi Ganduje. Four years and a change of governor later, he is heading back to the throne.
The proposed Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024 passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, May 23, dethroned Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.
The law recognised former CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
Sanusi’s portrait has since been adorning the giant wall of the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano, while that of Aminu Bayero was since removed to pave way for Sanusi’s return to the palace.
A prelude to Sanusi’s official reinstallation was the amendment of the Kano State Emirates Council Law 2024 (1441 A.H) by the House of Assembly after the bill scaled third reading on Thursday.
“All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to an office created under the repealed Principal law, dated 5th December 2019 shall revert to their position where such positions previously existed under recognised custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.
“The Commissioner responsible for Local Government shall oversee all transitional arrangements including how best to deal with assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019,” said the amended law 2024.
According to the new law, “The governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.”
Governor Abba Yusuf as expected assented to the proposed (amendment) law on Thursday before making announcements.
Aminu Bayero who was initially reportedly fled the palace returned to Kano under heavy security cover further giving the impression he has the backing of the federal government.
Another source said Sanusi’s appointment as Emir of Kano by the Abba Yusuf administration has already been written.
Sanusi, who became emir in the final term of Kwankwaso as governor, was dethroned by outgoing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was deputy governor at the time the monarch was installed.
Sanusi, the 14th emir of Kano, was removed on March 9, 2020, banished from Kano and sent to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State. The expenses of the Kano emirate under him were probed.
The Ganduje administration also added four new emirates to make it five: Bichi, Karaye, Rano, Gaya, and Kano all as First Class Emirs.
The present state Assembly however on Thursday “abolished” all the new emirates created by ex-governor Ganduje.
Here is a timeline of the good, the bad and the ugly:
June 1, 2009: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, then Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, is nominated as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Umaru Yar’Adua. His appointment is confirmed by the Senate some 48 hours later.
February 2, 2014: President Goodluck Jonathan fires Sanusi for alleging a controversial non-remittance of a $20 billion statutory fund into the federal government’s accounts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), a claim the then administration refuted.
June 8, 2014: Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso appoints Sanusi to succeed his granduncle, Ado Bayero, as the Emir of Kano.
June 9, 2014: Sanusi is crowned the 14th Emir of Kano.
May 29, 2015: Kwankwaso’s deputy, Abdullahi Ganduje is sworn in as Kano governor after the general elections in the state. Ganduje, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is re-elected in 2019.
December 2016: Sanusi speaks about the government’s misplaced priorities.
April 24, 2017: Sanusi speaks at the Mo Ibrahim governance weekend in Morocco about the northern governors’ poor attitude towards education. His comments are perceived as a direct attack on Ganduje.
May 2017: The Kano Emirate Council comes under investigation for financial irregularities.
June 6, 2019: The Ganduje administration queries Sanusi for allegedly misappropriating N3.4 billion, an allegation the former bank chief denied.
March 9, 2020: The Ganduje administration dethrones Sanusi for ‘disrespecting lawful instructions’. Sanusi is banished to Loko Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
March 9, 2020: Aminu Ado Bayero is appointed 15th Emir of Kano
February 2023: Kwankwaso’s political godson Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) wins the governorship election in Kano, defeating Ganduje’s man, Nasir Gawuna.
April 2023: Kwankwaso says Yusuf will review Sanusi’s dethronement.
May 22, 2024: A proposed amendment to the Kano Emirate Council Laws scales its first reading on the Kano State House of Assembly floor.
May 23, 2024: The state assembly passes the bill dissolving the emirates created by Ganduje.
May 23, 2024: Governor Yusuf signs the bill into law and reinstates Sanusi as Kano Emir under one big emirate.
Soun clashes with Grand Imam in Ogbomoso
The Soun of Ogbomoso is a traditional monarch in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, while the Grand Imam is the head of the Muslim community in the same region. The two leaders have historically maintained a cordial relationship, with the Soun being a patron of the Muslim community.
Causes of the Feud
The Soun's throne has been contested by rival claimants, leading to a succession crisis. The Grand Imam has been accused of supporting one of the claimants, which the Soun sees as an affront to his authority.
Ogbomoso has a mixed population of Muslims and non-Muslims. The Grand Imam's increasing influence and the growth of Islam in the region have led to tensions between the two leaders.
It could be recalled that both the Soun and the Chief Imam have been at loggerheads in the last few months.
The Soun sees the Grand Imam's actions as a challenge to his authority and legitimacy as a traditional monarch.
The Grand Imam accuses the Soun of restricting Muslims' religious freedom and interfering with their affairs. This was exacerbated when the monarch queried the Imam for not taking permission before proceeding to Mecca to perform Hajj.
Court bars Soun of Ogbomoso, kingmakers from removing Chief Imam
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso has barred the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and the kingmakers led by Chief Sobalaje Otolorin from removing the Chief Imam of the town, Sheik Teliat Yunus Ayilara.
DAILY COURIER learnt that Muslims in in the town under the auspices of Registered Trustees of Ogbomoso Muslim Youths Forum had dragged the traditional ruler and the kingmakers who are members of Soun-In-Council to court over planned removal of the cleric.
The case with the suit number HOG/31/2024, filed at Oyo State High Court Ogbomoso Division, has Registered Trustees of Ogbomoso Muslim Youths Forum as plaintiff, while the Soun and the Soun-In-Council are the defendants.
The court, presided over by Justice K.B. Olawoyin, on Wednesday 26th June, 2024, barred the traditional ruler and the Soun-In-Council from removing the Chief Imam.
It barred the “defendants/respondents whether by themselves, their agents, privies, officers under their control, or any persons acting on the instruction of the defendants/respondents from suspending or removing the holder of office of Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land (in person of Alhaji Yunus Olusina Ayilara) or in anyway disturbing or tampering with the office of Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
“The defendants/respondents and their agents, servants and/or privies and/or any persons acting under their control or on their instructions are also restrained in the interim from doing anything under any guise whatsoever to interfere with or impede the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land from carrying out the functions and duties of his office as Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land pending the hearing and determination of the Motion On Notice filed herein.
“I put on record that I have taken judicial notice of the full names of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land as Alhaji Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara and that of the 1 defendant/respondent as His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), the Soun of Ogbomoso land.
“The hearing of the Motion on notice dated and filed 26/6/2024 is adjourned to 1/7/2024”.
Letter to Chief Imam and Its Implications for Community Harmony
The recent letter from the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, addressed to the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Abdul Yekini, has sparked significant attention within the community and beyond. The correspondence highlights ongoing tensions between the two influential leaders. As these figures play crucial roles in the cultural and religious spheres of Ogbomoso, their interactions have far-reaching implications for community harmony and stability.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, a former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso have had longstanding disagreements over the administration of religious activities and the roles of traditional leadership. This latest letter has brought these issues into the public eye, raising concerns about potential sectarian conflict in a city known for its diverse religious composition.
The letter from the Soun reportedly addressed several key points:
The Soun emphasized his role as the paramount traditional leader of Ogbomoso, underscoring his authority over cultural and traditional matters.
He urged the Chief Imam to work collaboratively with him to ensure the community’s peace and unity.
The Soun expressed concern over statements made by religious leaders that could incite division and conflict among the populace.
He called for open and respectful dialogue between traditional and religious leaders to resolve ongoing issues and prevent further escalation.
Implications for Harmony
The letter has several implications for community harmony in Ogbomoso:
By reaching out directly to the Chief Imam, the Soun has opened a channel for dialogue, which is a crucial step toward resolving their differences. Effective communication can help bridge gaps and foster understanding between the two leaders.
The public nature of the letter can influence how the community perceives both leaders. A constructive and respectful approach can enhance their reputations and demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of Ogbomoso.
Given the Soun’s background as a former RCCG pastor and his current traditional role, his approach to religious matters is under scrutiny. A conciliatory and inclusive stance can set a positive example for interfaith relations, promoting tolerance and cooperation among different religious groups in the city.
The emphasis on unity and condemnation of divisive rhetoric is crucial for preventing violence. Inflammatory comments from leaders can quickly escalate into physical confrontations among followers. By advocating for restraint and peaceful dialogue, the Soun is taking steps to mitigate this risk.
The Importance of Restraint
In the context of this feud, restraint in public discourse is paramount for several reasons:
Avoiding inflammatory comments helps maintain a peaceful environment. Historical evidence from similar conflicts in Nigeria shows that rhetoric can quickly lead to violence, affecting the broader community.
Restraint creates a conducive environment for dialogue. By avoiding incendiary language, leaders can engage in meaningful discussions, addressing underlying issues without exacerbating tensions.
Leaders serve as role models for their communities. Demonstrating restraint and a commitment to peaceful resolution sets a positive example, encouraging followers to adopt similar attitudes.
Restraint and constructive communication can build trust between conflicting parties. Trust is essential for long-term peace and collaboration, enabling leaders to work together for the community’s benefit.
In a diverse community like Ogbomoso, where religious and cultural identities are deeply intertwined, the potential for sectarian violence is high. Restraint in public statements can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts from escalating into violence.
Moving with the government plan, which has attracted widespread criticism because of its perceived intention, the State House of Assembly last Wednesday entertained the second reading on the Emirate Council Amendment Bill, which seeks to strip the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, of certain powers. It requires the Sultan to obtain government approval before appointing kingmakers.One of the strident critics of this perceived move against the Sultan, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, who had that Wednesday described the bill as “outrageous, nauseating, and anachronistic, a direct attack on the traditional institution of Sokoto State and an undisguised attempt at weakening his powers and making him less relevant in the scheme of traditional settings,” told Our Correspondent on Friday, “ We had to cry out because our concern was that the governor wanted to depose the Sultan though we do not know what had transpired between them.”
THE ISSUE AT STAKE
For what may have transpired between them, there is no official revelation, nor has there been a denial of the reason that has been given. Arewa Cultural Heritage Network last Tuesday alleged that the issue is political. Spokesperson for the group, Yunusa Abdullahi, said, “The Sultan of Sokoto, despite his esteemed position, has been found guilty of neglecting his palace duties, showing disloyalty and demonstrating a lack of respect towards the current administration. His evident support for the PDP candidate (Saidu Umar) during the last election despite the electorate’s mandate for Governor Ahmad Aliyu has further strained relations.”
He further explained that the proposed amendment to section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law is intended to align the legal frameworks with the customary procedures in Sokoto State so that “the authority to appoint district heads, while still involving recommendations from the Sultanate Council, will ultimately lie with the governor, reflecting both traditional and contemporary practices.”
Abdullahi questioned Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call-out charge to the state government to respect the sultanate, faulting the deputy governor’s reference to the “Sultan of Sokoto,” as unnecessarily meddling in the affairs of the state. VP Shettima had faulted the Deputy Governor Idris Gobir for his remark that appeared to undermine the Sultan’s status and influence.
This position tallies somehow with the position of the state government which denied any move to unseat the Sultan and blames MURIC for blowing things out of proportion.
According to Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello, there is no plan to depose the Sultan. The district heads, he said, were removed for “unbecoming behaviours, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insubordination to constituted authority”, while the amendment of the traditional rulers law, is to “align the law with what has been in practice for decades” until 2007, during the administration of former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when the law was amended to give sole powers to the Sultan to appoint village heads without recourse to the state government”.
Still, a constitutional lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, thinks that whatever the allegations may be, the Sultan does not deserve the kind of treatment that is going on right now.
“Assuming without conceding the allegations to be true that the Sultan had sided with one candidate during an election, he has the constitutional right to do so.
“The Constitution of Nigeria is clear in Sections 39 and 35, which deal with personal liberty and right to freedom of expression. So, in that respect, the Sultan has the constitutional right, safeguards and freedom like any other Nigerian to support any candidate he so wishes. We are in a constitutional democracy and we should practice it with the right mind set,” he told.
Explaining further, Fagge, who painted an ideal and legal perspective, said it needs to be restated that the Sultan has powers that extends beyond Sokoto, legally speaking, making it unnecessary to restrain or curtail his influence.
Citing an example with the National Hajj Commission Act enacted by the National Assembly, he maintained that trying to limit the influence of the revered traditional and religious leader in a bid to curtail it would amount to treading on dangerous grounds. In addition, the Sultan is the
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