The Sokoto State House of Assembly has taken steps to limit the powers of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, by passing the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill through its first and second readings. If passed into law, the bill will strip the Sultan of his authority to appoint kingmakers and district heads without government approval, among other significant changes.
The proposed legislation marks a significant shift in the balance of power between the traditional institution and the state government. It has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding the move as a necessary step towards modernizing governance in the region, while others criticize it as an attack on the centuries-old Sultanate and a disregard for the cultural heritage of the people of Sokoto.
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This development comes a day after the Muslim Rights Concern raised concerns about an alleged plan by the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to depose the Sultan of Sokoto.
In a statement on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, expressed alarm over the potential move, which comes amid controversy and tension following the deposition of several monarchs in Kano State.
He stressed that the Sultan’s role is not only traditional but also religious, extending beyond Sokoto to cover all Nigerian Muslims as their spiritual head.
Governor Aliyu had previously removed 15 traditional rulers for various offences.
However, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, cautioned against an alleged plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, by the Sokoto State government.
