Traditional Institutions and Power Configuration in Contemporary Northern Nigeria: Kano State Emirate Council in Perspective

The study building on the pedestals of the governance theory sought to examine the place of traditional institutions in relation to power configuration in contemporary Northern Nigeria. In this regard, the role of the former Emir of Kano HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in the build up to the February 2019 governorship election in Kano State is examined. Review of relevant literature shows the existence of a consensus across board on the purported political value of traditional institutions. It was duly observed by means of examining prior studies and gazette publications that the open support of the Emir of Kano for the opposition party almost cost the incumbent governor the election, one which he eventually won only after a re-run. To this end, the governor upon re-election initiated legislative amendments that reduced the jurisdiction of the Emir and subsequent deposition of the Emir. The actions of the Kano State government are herewith understood as steps taken checkmate the political influence of the Emir. In lieu, the study recommends for the formal inclusion of traditional institutions as intermediaries between state and society in the event that the neutrality of such institutions can be guaranteed.