Sanusi: Social Media Storm Over Whether A Governor Can Depose Oba Of Benin

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

Following the dethronement of Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano Emirate by the Kano State Government, the trending argument that has taken over the microblogging platform, Twitter, is whether the Oba of Benin who is arguably the most revered monarch in the country can suffer such treatment in the hands of an Edo State Governor.

The dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate came to many as shock as such development is rare, considering how revered and respected the position of the Emir of Kano is.

In recent times, the influence of traditional rulers have declined, as traditional rulers now play to the whims and caprices of their state governors to get political support. State Governors now present appointment letters and staff of office to traditional rulers, making them appointees of state governors.

Immediately the news of Sanusi’s removal broke to the public space, the argument that took over Twitter was whether Oba of Benin can suffer such treatment.

The Oba of Benin is arguably the most revered and respected monarch in Nigeria, with rich source of heritage and culture. He is also deeply revered by his people who see him as a god.

Some Twitter users, who mostly hail from Edo State argued that Sanusi’s treatment can never be meted out to the Oba of Benin, stressing that the Benin monarch does not delve into politics, like other monarchs.

They also argued that the Oba of Benin posses traditional powers that will deter any politician from dethroning him and that the Oba of Benin is a god with spiritual powers.

Those in the opposite side opined that the Oba of Benin can be dethroned and nothing will happen, noting that State Governors have more power to order for dethronement, if the situation arises.

Some of them also recalled that in1897 Oba Ovonranmen was deposed by the British and later went on exile in Calabar.

GreenwhiteGreen gathered the some tweets relating to the argument:

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