Tinubu regime’s unreserved respect for traditional institution, Kola Amzat
But for the prompt and stern intervention of Federal Government about a week ago, the foremost, highly revered, peace-loving, progressive and very reserved monarch of Sokoto caliphate, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar would by now be ruminating on next step to take, after he might have been dethroned from the exalted caliphate throne by the Sokoto state government.
Prompted by the alarm raised by the Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola of the well-orchestrated move of the state government to execute the plan, the federal government swiftly moved through the Vice President, who, while speaking in his remarks at the North-West Governors’ Forum in Katsina State called on the governor that it’s incumbent on the state to ensure that Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar authority is protected judiciously, describing the royal father as an institution that represents an idea very crucial for the growth and development of the country.
Besides the fact that this pronouncement unequivocally represented the stand of the federal government on the issue, it’s also a stern warning to the state of the need to bury the idea of senseless dethronement, as the government at the center would do everything possible to frustrate the ignoble move.
But, how on earth any government would have conceived an idea of dethroning a well-respected and very developmental royal figure like Sultan of Sokoto, more-so when the nation is presently embroiled in a similar situation in Kano where two Emirs have been battling for the soul of just one Emirate in the past two months, with no end in sight out of the royal impasse in the city?
For the avoidance of doubt, the Sultan of Sokoto is not just an ordinary royal father who controls only Sokoto city; he is also a foremost and first class monarch whose authority transcends the Sokoto Emirates. He exercises control and authority over all the Emirs and Chiefs in the state.
More importantly, he’s the President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, an umbrella body for all Muslims across the country.
It’s not an understatement to submit that the Muslims are dominant force in the country, as they constitute about 155-160 million of the total population of about 225 million representing more than 70% of the entire population.
Would it not have been thoughtless, reckless, mindless, tactless and height of shortsightedness for any governor to attempt to toil with the spiritual leader of such a dominant and very important force in the country?
But, the crux of this Piece is that the current President, Commander-in- Chief of Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not only an accomplished democrat, he also has tremendous respect for traditional institution all around the country and won’t allow the institution to be subject of ridicule, scorn and embarrassment during his regime.
The president sufficiently demonstrated that he’s a true friend and an avowed advocate of traditional institution while he’s in charge of Lagos, as some of his personal aides became first class rulers in very important cities within the mega city of Lagos.
It’s in public domain of the tremendous role Tinubu played for the emergence on the throne of the present Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu in 2003.
King Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi before he ascended the throne served meritoriously as Special Aide of Asiwaju Tinubu in Lagos for years.
In June 1999, Oba Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal, the present Oniru of Iru land was appointed Aide-de-camp/Escort Commander to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and served until 2007 when the illustrious politician ended his tenure as governor.
The President was one of the major Yoruba stakeholders who contributed immensely to the emergence of the current Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in 2015.
Nigerians would vividly recall the intimacy between the deceased Alaafin of Oyo, the Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. This much this writer can attest to, as true son of Oyo kingdom and one of the close confidants of the late monarch.
It’s already in public domain the fantastic relationship between the charismatic, ebullient and very developmental Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona and the president.
Of course, the ex-Lagos state governor is also very close to Oba Aremu Adedotun Gbadebo (III), the Alake of Egbaland, where he was conferred with Aare Ago, many years ago by the monarch.
Nigerians recall the president’s eternal friendship with the late Emir of Borgu, Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III, friendship intimately developed since their days together as Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1993.
And, of course, it’s in the public knowledge that the president, even, before he emerged as Commander in Chief, has been maintaining amazing relationship with quite a number of traditional rulers across the country, irrespective of ethnic stock and religion.
I’ve taken the trouble to highlight Asiwaju Tinubu’s glorious and very commendable antecedent with members of traditional rulers across the nation to re-emphasis and re-iterate to the governors all over the country, of the president’s years of positive disposition, as well as utmost regard for this all-important institution so that governors would henceforth be properly guided that this president won’t pander to some of them who have the penchant to always treat monarchs in their states with contempt and ridicule, and more importantly, the need for them to open a new vista of relationship and friendship with the royal fathers, with a view to seeing them as partners and collaborators in the growth and development of their respective states.
It’s also important to submit that Federal Government in collaboration with the national assembly should start planning on how to tinker with the 1999 Constitution as amended, to accord more respect, honour and dignity to traditional institutions with a view to giving them more important and definitive roles, and more importantly, making it absolutely impossible for governors to dethrone them thus rescuing the institution from recklessness.
Finally, Nigerians need to commend the proactive-ness of federal government for its swift and commanding action in preventing the Sokoto state government from executing its horrible agenda of mindlessly dethroning a monarch who has for decades, been a symbol of unity and harmony amongst the Muslim faithful all around the country, as well as embodiment of piety, decent royal comportment and honour, thus avoiding another round of anarchy, chaos and disorderliness in that part of the country.
Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)
Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,
09077509348.
