The evolution of traditional and religious authority in Northern Nigeria offers a compelling narrative of power, manipulation, and transformation. Once central to governance and cultural identity, both traditional leaders and religious clerics have experienced a significant deflation of their influence. This decline mirrors a broader trend that underscores the shifting dynamics of power and the need for reflection within the current religious establishment.
Today, this column examines the historical trajectory of traditional institutions under colonial rule, the subsequent erosion of their authority, and the implications for contemporary religious leaders.
During the colonial era, British administrators adeptly manipulated traditional institutions to enforce their policies. The British recognized the entrenched power of traditional leaders within the emirates and leveraged these figures as intermediaries to implement colonial directives. The emirs retained their positions but were subordinated to the colonial administration, effectively transforming them from sovereign rulers into instruments of colonial control. This strategy, known as “Indirect Rule”, allowed the British to govern with minimal direct intervention, using traditional structures to maintain order and administer policies.
Early resistance to colonial influence was evident, particularly in the core northern emirates in the 1920s. Traditional leaders, deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, resisted attempts to liberalize religious practices and modernize governance. Despite their resistance, the colonial administration’s approach effectively integrated traditional leaders into the colonial framework, reducing their autonomy and elevating colonial interests above local traditions.
The post-colonial period saw a marked decline in the power and respect of traditional institutions.
The emirs, who had once wielded substantial authority, found their roles increasingly diminished as they came to be seen as mere puppets of the colonial regime. Except for Kano under Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I, most emirates were meticulously controlled by colonial authorities. This micromanagement fostered a growing sense of disenchantment among the populace, who began to view the emirs as symbols of oppression rather than respected leaders.
The rise of educated elites like Malam Aminu Kano and Malam Saadu Zungur marked a turning point. These individuals, disillusioned with the emirs’ alignment with colonial policies, began advocating for political engagement and reform. Their efforts led to the formation of populist movements such as the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), which challenged the entrenched power structures and sought greater political representation.
The involvement of emirs in the political arena during the 1950s further exacerbated their decline. As political elites and traditional leaders clashed, several emirs were deposed, with Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I’s removal being one of the most significant cases. The Sultan of Sokoto, too, experienced a diminution of influence, particularly as his relationship with key political figures like the Sardauna of Sokoto became increasingly strained. This period marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with traditional institutions losing their previous authority.
The local government reforms of the 1970s and 1980s established the local government as Nigeria’s third tier of government, effectively incorporating the traditional rulers who once oversaw the Native Authorities. Consequently, these rulers lost their constitutional roles and became primarily symbolic figures.
In the wake of the declining influence of traditional institutions, religious clerics began to emerge as powerful figures in Northern Nigerian politics. Influential clerics such as Sheikh Tijjani Zangon Barebari Kano, Sheikh Muhammad Nasiru Kabara and Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi managed to maintain a degree of credibility and respect due to their relative detachment from political entanglements. This allowed them to play a significant role in shaping political discourse while remaining influential figures in religious and social matters.
The 1970s saw a new generation of clerics, including Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi and Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh, who continued to exert influence in the political arena. Their involvement, while significant, also introduced complexities. The clerics’ endorsements and criticisms of political figures became a source of debate, highlighting the delicate balance between spiritual authority and political engagement.
The role of religious clerics in contemporary Nigerian politics has drawn significant attention and scrutiny. The support of certain clerics for specific political candidates or parties has led to accusations of partisanship, impacting their perceived integrity and influence. This dynamic reflects a parallel to the historical decline of traditional authority, as both institutions grapple with the consequences of political involvement.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Sheikh Ahmad Bamba, Sheikh Jafar Mahud Adam, and Sheikh Auwal Adam Albani were prominent religious scholars known for their outspoken and critical views on the political elite, yet they maintained a detached yet influential role in politics. Both Sheikh Jafar and Sheikh Albani were assassinated.
In contrast, scholars like Sheikh Umar Sani Fage, the late Sheikh Faruku Chedi, and Malam Ibrahim Daurawa among others, who served in various government positions, demonstrated the courage to challenge their governments and call for righteousness when they veered off course.
In the 2023 elections, Islamic clerics played a significant role in supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket, with many videos online showing them collecting campaign funds. Some even labeled opponents of the ticket as kafir or munafiqoon. After Tinubu’s election, his administration’s conflict with Niger led clerics like Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi and Bala Lau to seek his intervention.
However, these clerics remained silent on Tinubu’s economic policies, which exacerbated poverty in Nigeria. This has led many Nigerians to question who the real hypocrites are: those who did not vote for the Muslim-Muslim ticket or those who supported it while condemning dissenters. In contrast, clerics such as Sheikh Ahmad Maqari, Shehu Dokoro, Bello Yabo, and Abubakar Rijiyar Lemo among others have preserved their integrity by urging the government, in unmistakable terms, to reconsider its policies affecting the poor.
The recent political engagement of clerics, including their involvement in campaigns and endorsements, has raised questions about their impartiality and the potential erosion of their spiritual authority. The comparison to the historical decline of traditional leadership underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding excessive entanglement in political conflicts.
Both traditional institutions and contemporary religious leaders must heed the lessons of history. The decline of traditional authority serves as a stark reminder of how political manipulation and alignment can erode long-standing respect and influence. Similarly, the evolving role of religious clerics necessitates careful consideration of their involvement in politics to avoid compromising their spiritual authority.
Religious leaders must navigate their roles with a mindful approach that balances political engagement with their core spiritual responsibilities. The history of traditional institutions offers valuable insights for current and future clerics, highlighting the need for a cautious approach to political involvement to preserve their revered status.
The historical trajectory of traditional leadership and the evolving role of religious clerics in Northern Nigeria reveal a complex interplay of power, respect, and political engagement. As traditional institutions faced decline under colonial rule and subsequent political changes, religious clerics have emerged as influential figures in the region’s politics.
However, the experiences of traditional leaders serve as a cautionary tale for current religious leaders, emphasizing the need for careful navigation of political involvement. To maintain their respected positions, clerics must ensure their actions align with their spiritual values and avoid becoming mere tools of political agendas.
