On Wednesday, the Sokoto State High Court issued an injunction preventing Governor Ahmed Aliyu from taking further action against the dethronement of two traditional rulers recently removed by the state government. The court’s ruling specifically addresses the contentious removals of Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal, the District Head of Tambuwal, and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, the District Head of Kebbe.
Presiding over the case, Justice Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmed directed Governor Aliyu, the Attorney General, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council to maintain the status quo until the lawsuit filed by the two district heads is resolved. Represented by Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi SAN, the complainants are challenging their removal, which the government justified on grounds of insubordination and alleged support for insecurity.
This legal battle coincides with Governor Aliyu’s efforts to push for legislative changes that would centralize the power to appoint and dethrone traditional rulers exclusively to his office. The proposed amendment to the state Local Government Law has sparked significant backlash, drawing criticism from prominent political figures and advocacy groups.
The controversy has gained national attention, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emphasizing the need to protect the integrity and autonomy of traditional institutions from gubernatorial overreach. Additionally, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned against any attempts to undermine the Sultan of Sokoto, viewing the proposed legal changes as an effort to diminish his influence.
Despite these tensions, the Sokoto State Legislature has moved the controversial bill to its second reading and referred it to a House Committee for further deliberation. A public hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday, expected to draw significant public and media attention.
