Traditional rulers key to nation-building – Emir Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in nation-building and good governance, saying they have a responsibility to advise political leaders on issues affecting the country.

Sanusi made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he stressed that traditional leaders derive their authority to offer counsel from the people they represent, not from constitutional provisions.

According to the Emir, traditional institutions remain relevant in modern governance and should not be excluded from national conversations on leadership and development.

He said traditional rulers do not require constitutional backing to engage the president or state governors when national or local interests are at stake, noting that their legitimacy comes from their position as leaders of their communities.

During the programme, Sanusi also called for broader inclusion in governance, urging increased participation of women in political and leadership roles. He said greater representation of women in elective positions would strengthen inclusive governance and national development.

The Emir further condemned domestic violence, describing it as a violation of fundamental human rights and rejecting cultural justifications for abuse against women.

He noted that violence against women and other vulnerable groups is driven by power imbalances rather than culture, adding that women, children, the poor, and persons with disabilities are often the victims.

Sanusi stressed that all citizens are entitled to protection under the law, regardless of cultural practices, and that human rights must not be violated in the name of tradition.