The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill that would significantly reform the Sokoto Emirate Council, potentially limiting the Sultan’s authority.
The bill would require government approval for the Sultan to appoint kingmakers and district heads, among other changes. This development could significantly impact the balance of power in the state.
The bill was passed 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 on Monday, cautioned against an alleged plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, by the Sokoto State government.
The state government, however, denied any plan to dethrone the monarch, describing the allegation as false.
The state Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, explained that the law guiding the appointment of traditional rulers in the state had not been changed.
