The Sokoto State High Court has issued an order restraining Governor Ahmed Aliyu from removing two traditional rulers, Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, who were among the 15 district heads earlier dethroned by the state government.

The court’s order, delivered by Justice Kabiru Ibrahim Ahmed, directs the Governor, his Attorney General, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council to maintain the status quo and revert to the previous state of affairs, pending the determination of the suit filed by the two complainants.

The development comes amidst controversy surrounding the dethronement of traditional rulers in Sokoto State, with many calling for respect and protection of traditional institutions.

The state government’s move to amend the Local Government Law, granting the Governor exclusive powers to appoint and dethrone traditional rulers, has led to debate and warnings from notable figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also warned the Governor against removing the Sultan of Sokoto or whittling his powers, accusing him of targeting the monarch and planning to create a parallel Sultanate Council.