The dethronement of monarchs in Nigeria ranges from being at loggerheads with the power that be, particularly the government which often leads to official pronouncements or displeasure with reigns, or allegations of misbehavior and misconduct.
Governors have autonomy over the decision to sack a sitting monarch according to the constitution of the country.
Here are Governors who unseated monarchs during their tenure:
1. Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State – 2020)
The former Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Governor Muhammad Sanusi II was dethroned by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje over his interference in political affairs before the 2019 general elections. In 2020, the governor sent a bill to the Kano state government for the creation of three emirates and removing Sanusi on the grounds of insubordination. He was also banished from the State.
2. Bello Matawalle (Zamfara State – 2022)
Two prominent emirs in Zamfara State and a district were stripped of their royal seats for allegedly aiding bandits terrorising communities in the state.
3. Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi State – 2005)
The ex-Emir of Gwandu Mustapha Jokolo was deposed in 2005 by the Kebbi State government under the authority of Adamu Aliero following different allegations levied against him by his Chiefs and was exiled to Kaduna. He was removed for making a reckless comment capable of threatening national security
4. Nyeson Wike (Rivers State – 2019)
CHIEF MONDAY FRANK NORYEA, a traditional ruler of Baabe Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State was removed by Governor Nyeson Wike in May 2019 for his indictment in cult-related activities causing unrest in the community.
5. Martin Elechi (Ebonyi State – 2022)
Two traditional rulers in Ebonyi State were removed by the State Government in 2022 for gross misconduct and sabotaging government’s development programmes in their communities. EZE JOSEPH OKOR, Ivi of Akaeze was deposed for drunkenness while EZE MICHAEL ORJI was unseated for being an antagonist to the government’s programmes.
6. Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State – 2010)
The Deji of Akure of Akure Oba Oluwadamilare Adesina Osupa III was given an inglorious exit following his misuse of his position. His removal set a reminder for those in authority who exercise power in any form. The king was deposed for smacking his estranged wife at her home in Akure. The State Government dethroned him with a section of the state chieftaincy law of 1984 as amended.
7. Adams Oshiomole (Edo State – 2016)
The administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole suspended and later dethroned Anslem Aidenojie (Onojie of Uromi Kingdom) for abusing a woman and total disregard for constituted authorities. He failed to apologise within a given time. In 2018, he was however reinstated by Gov Obaseki.
