A dramatic turn of events is unfolding in Nigeria’s Kaduna State, where a former high-ranking official is seeking to overturn the appointment of the current Emir of Zazzau. Ibrahim Muhammad-Aminu, the deposed Wazirin Zazzau, has petitioned the Kaduna State House of Assembly to reverse the appointment of Ahmad Nuhu-Bamalli as the 19th Emir of Zazzau. According to Muhammad-Aminu, the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, unlawfully installed Bamalli as Emir in November 2020, disregarding established traditions and state laws.
At the heart of the controversy is the selection process conducted by the kingmakers, which Muhammad-Aminu claims was ignored despite being carried out in accordance with the traditions and native laws of the Zazzau Emirate. The kingmakers had nominated three candidates: Alhaji Bashir Aminu, Alhaji Muhammad Munir Ja’afaru, and Aminu Shehu Idris. However, Bamalli, who was not among the nominees, was reportedly imposed by the former governor, a move that Muhammad-Aminu asserts disrespected the traditions, customs, and laws of the land.
Muhammad-Aminu’s petition also highlights his own removal from office, which he alleges was wrongful and without justification. He was arrested and arraigned, and another individual, Alhaji Inuwa Aminu, was appointed in his stead. Muhammad-Aminu argues that the title of Waziri is traditionally held for life and cannot be removed without cause. He is appealing to the lawmakers to recommend the reversal of Bamalli’s appointment, reinstate him as the legitimate Waziri of Zazzau, and order the payment of all salaries, allowances, and entitlements due to him from the date of his suspension.
The former Waziri is also seeking to uphold and protect the customs and conventions governing traditional institutions in Northern Nigeria. He contends that Bamalli’s appointment violates the Kaduna State Gazette No. 9 Vol. 54 of 7th October 2020 and the traditions of the Zazzau Emirate. Muhammad-Aminu’s plea is to restore order, justice, and the sanctity of the traditional heritage. The Kaduna State House of Assembly is now faced with the task of reviewing the petition and making a decision that will have significant implications for the traditional institution and the people of Kaduna State.
