The Sokoto state government has announced the removal of 15 traditional rulers from their positions, including six appointed by the immediate past administration, and reinstated some previously suspended officials to their roles.
Of the 15 individuals removed from their positions, nine were cited for alleged involvement in the state’s security issues, land misappropriation, and defiance.
The decision to remove them was based on findings from a government-established committee, with actions taken in line with the committee’s recommendations.
Sokoto’s Commissioner of Information, Honorable Bello Sambo Danchadi, confirmed to BBC Hausa those removed from their roles included Unguwar Lalle, Yabo, Wamakko, Tilluwa, Illela, and Dogon Daji.
These monarchs according to the announcement were accused of disobedience and failure to contribute to the fight against the lingering insecurity in the state.
However, officials of the former administration under Aminu Waziri Tambubar criticized the decision, attributing it to political factors.
Sokoto State PDP spokesperson, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, expressed dismay, asserting that the appointments of deposed monarchs followed legal procedures, particularly regarding the traditional succession process.
The state has been battling with insecurity associated with banditry and kidnapping resulting in the death of hundreds of people and thousands of others displaced.
Analysts suggested that there must be hands of high-ranking figures including government officials, traditional leaders and security agents linked to the lingering insecurity bedeviling most of the northern states.
