By Emman Ozoemena
Struggle for supremacy between the political leaders and traditional institutions is as old man. Both realms constantly lay claim to being the sovereign representative of the people. Exceptedly, this usually results in deposition of the natural rulers by the government in the contemporary era, where political leaders hold sway as the sovereign.
Beginning from the colonial administration, deposition of traditional rulers has remained an instrument deployed by by the colonial administration and their successors in post independence Nigeria to control the natural rulers. The British Colonial government used it to quell opposition to the high handed style of governance. Oba of Benin, Jaja of Opobo,Oba of Lagos, Emir of Bauchi, Emir of Ningi, among others.
The post independence Nigerian leaders continued since 1960, has sustained this under hand practices to ensure their relevance. From North to South of Nigeria, there is section that has not experienced deposition most times on mere political differences and opinions.
Recent events in Kano has brought to the fore this instrument of control deployed by political leaders.
The challenge before the nation now, is how to safe guide the future of traditional institutions in Nigeria. It is rather precarious given the corrosive influence of partisanship in the state especially by the governors who are are like overlords. How do we insulate the institution from from politics and politicians. The future of this rational institution may be on the brink, if care is not taken by the stakeholders, the Nigerian people.
Emman Ozoemena, a public policy consultant wrote in from Abuja, Nigeria.
