The dethronement of one of the most powerful emirs in Northern Nigeria history, Muhammad Sanusi II has made many to ask questions on the independent nature of the emirship stool. However, he is not the first, there have been many like him who have been dethroned for reasons concerning politics, personality clash and state involvement. This article will look into 5 famous dethronements that happened in the Northern region.
The history of dethronement particularly in the Northern part of the country has been around for ages, the dethronement of traditional rulers can be referred back to the early 1900, when some emirs from the North refused to pledge allegiance to the colonial administrators, as a result, many of them were dethroned and banished from their respective kingdoms.
Most of the dethronement that is happening these days wouldn’t be unconnected with differences in political and ideological views. All the underlisted dethronement happened as a result of allegations of Insubordination.
1. Muhammad Sanusi II: The former Nigerian apex bank chief ascended the throne after the death of his uncle, late Alhaji Ado Bayero, in 2014. The powerful emir is known to have vast knowledge in both Islamic and Western education; he was also the most outspoken traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria during his reign.
The deposed emir was rumoured to be in a political war with the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, just before the 2019 general elections.The tussle became apparent when the Governor sent a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to add four additional emirates, in the State.
On March, 9, 2020, the Government of Kano State announced the dethronement of Muhammad Sanusi II, on grounds of Insubordination. He was also banished from the State.
2 Mustapha Jokolo: The retired military officer ascended the throne of Gwandu kingdom, after the demise of his father in 1995. He was the 19th emir of Gwandu, and spent 10 years on the throne. His dethroning shocked many when it was announced in June, 2005, by the Government of Kebbi State. The State government accused him of Insubordination. He was also banished from the State, were he was moved to Obi in Nasarawa State.
3. Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki: The famous ruler ascended the throne of Sultan of Sokoto, and President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, in 1988. He succeeded Sultan Siddiq Abubakar III after his death in November, 1988.
Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki was removed from the throne, on April, 20, 1996, on grounds of Insubordination, by former Head of States and Commander in Chief of the Arm Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha. He was also banished from living within the Sultanate kingdom.
4. Muhammad Sanusi I: The powerful emir of Kano ascended the throne in 1954, following the death of his father, emir Abdullahi Bayero. His vast knowledge and influence made him to become among the most influential traditional rulers in Sub-Saharan Africa during his reign.
The emir was accused of Insubordination by the Northern Nigeria administrators, and was dethroned in April,1963. He was also banished from staying in Kano, he was asked to leave for Azare, in Bauchi State
5. Emir Abubakar Dallaje of Katsina: The famous emir was removed from throne in 1906, by Sir Fredrick Lugard, who was then the Governor General of Northern protectorate, the dethronement came to many as a surprise, because the king was so powerful and popular during his reign.
Emir Abubakar was accused of insubordination and refusing to pledge allegiance to the colonial administrators. He was however replaced by emir Muhammadu Dikko, who ruled Katsina until his death in 1944.
