According to the report from the Vanguard, the executive director of the Muslims Rights Concern, Ishaq Akintola urged for protective measures to shield traditional rulers from political interference and manipulation, highlighting the difficult position in which they often find themselves due to the power dynamics with governors.
Emphasizing the long-term service of traditional rulers in comparison to the shorter terms of governors, he criticized the disregard and disrespect shown by these governors, who expect complete obedience from rulers during their limited time in office.
He described the dire consequences faced by traditional rulers who fail to comply with governors' demands, often leading to their removal with little chance of reinstatement.
Calling on governors to refrain from perceiving themselves as all-powerful, he sought to promote a more balanced power dynamic between political and traditional leaders, ultimately preserving the stability and integrity of traditional institutions.
Ishaq Akintola said this while reacting to the recent crisis in Sokoto State, regarding the removal of the Sultan of Sokoto.
He said, "We have to save the traditional rulers from this mess. No traditional ruler wants to antagonise the governor but they are in a dilemma. It’s a cul-de-sac. Where will they run to? Whether they like it or not they must do the bidding of the governors. They must be at their beck and call and these governors are very heartless. You come in to spend four years at most eight years.
These traditional rulers have been there for more than 20 years, you come today and you want him to dance to your tune. If he doesn’t do that, you remove him from power and he may not regain that throne again. I don’t know of any traditional ruler who was able to walk back to power again. Whoever was picked by the governor will sit tight and it becomes a thug of war between the two families. I want governors to stop seeing themselves as alpha and omega."