Northern Nigeria’s traditional institutions, once the bedrock of justice, dignity, and cultural authority, now stand at a dangerous crossroads. The respect and awe with which our forebears held traditional rulers have steadily eroded—thanks to the complacency, silence, and opportunism of many contemporary monarchs.

Rather than defend their people or uphold the moral code of their ancestors, many traditional rulers have become pliant tools in the hands of political gladiators. They dine and dance with power brokers while their communities burn. They have traded reverence for relevance and legacy for luxury.

The truth is hard but necessary: many palaces have transformed into political playgrounds. The corridors once known for wise counsel and community justice are now filled with sycophants and contract-seekers. The dignity of the stool has been sacrificed for patronage and political survival.

This disturbing trend is nowhere more apparent than in states like Kano, Adamawa, and Katsina.

In Kano, we witnessed the brutal politicisation of the emirate—a calculated dismantling of a centuries-old institution on the altar of vengeance and control.

In Adamawa, divisive politics have weakened traditional cohesion.

In Katsina, creeping interference threatens to silence voices of heritage and moral courage.

Perhaps the most shocking and shameful sign of this decay is the public assault—verbal and ideological—on the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of millions.

Clerics and political commentators now challenge him openly, sometimes in vulgar terms, without consequence. This is not only a desecration of a spiritual institution—it is a reflection of the Sultanate’s weakening influence and reluctance to assert its moral leadership in difficult times.

A throne that once commanded global Islamic respect now battles for local relevance. And the blame lies not just with the aggressors—but with those who failed to defend the integrity of the office they occupy.

Amid this gloom, one shining exception remains: Borno State.

In Borno, the Shehu and traditional council have preserved their dignity through cautious conservatism and principled leadership. The political class, to their credit, accords respect to the throne, and the people still revere their Emirs as legitimate and moral leaders.

This balance—between cultural legacy and modern governance—is the model other states must study and emulate. The Shehu of Borno’s example shows that it is possible to remain relevant without being compromised.

While our towns and villages reel from the pains of insurgency, banditry, unemployment, and neglect, many traditional rulers appear indifferent. They are more preoccupied with luxury SUVs, political alliances, and personal titles than the suffering of the masses.

The common man still looks to them for guidance, for protection, for hope. But what he sees now is silence, greed, and retreat.

This must change. And it must change now.

Our traditional rulers must return to the path of their noble forefathers—men who ruled not for wealth or proximity to politicians, but for the peace and progress of their people.

They must reclaim their voice and speak out against injustice. withdraw from partisan politics and stand as moral beacons, unite in collective prayer and advocacy for the region’s safety and stability and lead with humility and service, not pride and privilege.

The North is bleeding, and her people are crying. Our rulers must stop dancing while the house burns. The time to act is now

The custodianship of our traditions cannot be left to drift in the wind of political manipulation. Traditional rulers must reclaim their rightful position—not through proximity to power, but by being the power that speaks for the voiceless.

Let them return to the path of truth, unity, and moral courage. Let them preserve what is left of our cultural dignity.

For if they fail, history will not remember them kindly—and their thrones, once exalted, will fade into irrelevance.

Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma, FCIPDM, FWIP,  Zanna Boguma of Borno, Public Affairs analyst and traditional institutions’ advocate