Emir of Daura: A voice of loyalty, not a fall from grace
By Al Hassan Ado Doguwa
Much has been said in recent days about the viral video showing the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a condolence visit to the family of late President Muhammadu Buhari. While critics have rushed to express indignation and dismay at what they perceive as a shameful political endorsement, it is important that we pause, reflect, and respond with clarity and context. The outrage is not only misplaced, it is historically and culturally uninformed.
To begin with, the assumption that traditional rulers must be apolitical is an idealistic notion that has never held water in Nigeria’s political reality. From the First Republic to the Fourth, emirs, obas, obis and other traditional authorities have played visible, sometimes pivotal roles in shaping political discourse. Their palaces have hosted politicians, facilitated peace accords, and, indeed, supported candidates they believe align with their people’s interests. This involvement, far from being an aberration, is deeply entrenched in our political evolution.
The Emir of Daura is not an exception. He is part of this longstanding tradition. It is both historically accurate and socially acceptable within our polity for traditional leaders to speak their minds on matters of national importance. In choosing to praise President Tinubu, Emir Faruk was not engaging in partisan campaigning; he was expressing a sentiment rooted in continuity, loyalty, and a genuine sense of duty to Nigeria’s future.
Let us not forget that Daura holds a special place in the Nigerian political landscape. It is not just a town, it is the home of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a national figure who shaped Nigerian politics for decades. In the wake of his passing, it is only natural for his community and traditional leadership to reflect on his legacy and the future of leadership in Nigeria. The Emir’s expression of support for President Tinubu may well reflect a sense of continuity of Buhari’s vision being carried forward. In a time of mourning and transition, such words offer reassurance, not division.
More importantly, President Tinubu is not a fringe politician in need of partisan endorsement. He is the sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Praising him does not amount to partisan politicking; it is, rather, a recognition of the nation’s leadership.
The Emir, as a respected elder, has every right to commend the president’s efforts, especially if he believes Tinubu has shown commitment to addressing the North’s challenges. The critique that his words were a “campaign jingle” fails to acknowledge the nuance of the moment and the sincerity behind the message.
It is also worth noting that traditional rulers, by virtue of their position, are expected to maintain cordial relations with those in power. This is not about compromise; it is about pragmatism and influence. In a country as complex as Nigeria, influence is often more effective than opposition.
The Emir of Daura, by speaking warmly of President Tinubu, may be positioning his people for greater attention, investment, and policy focus. That, in itself, is leadership, quiet, strategic, and deeply rooted in the welfare of the community.
Critics argue that Katsina is suffering and that the Emir should instead be raising the alarm over insecurity. Remember that the issue of insecurity had been there long before Tinubu assumed office. But what makes anyone think he hasn’t? The public rarely sees the private counsel that traditional rulers offer to the government. The Emir may very well be in active dialogue with federal authorities behind the scenes. Public praise of the president does not negate private advocacy. Indeed, it is possible to commend a leader’s broader efforts while still urging greater attention to local crises. Diplomacy, not loud confrontation, is often how traditional leaders achieve results.
The view that the Emir’s conduct was a betrayal of his people ignores a vital fact: the people of Daura know their Emir. They know his history, his values, and his record of service. He is not a puppet of the presidency; he is a patriarch of his people. If he chooses to express confidence in the president, it is likely informed by a considered judgment, not blind allegiance. Suggesting otherwise is not only disrespectful but also dismissive of his experience and wisdom.
We must also challenge the notion that neutrality equals silence. Traditional leaders do not exist in a vacuum. They live, breathe, and operate within the political and social realities of their time. Choosing to remain publicly silent while privately playing favourites is hypocrisy, not virtue. In contrast, Emir Faruk chose honesty. He did not whisper his support in dark corners; he stood tall and spoke plainly. For that, he deserves commendation, not condemnation.
Furthermore, to claim that the Emir’s action diminishes the dignity of the throne is to misunderstand the true role of royalty in Africa. African kingship is not passive, it is active, engaged, and often political. Traditional rulers are expected to protect the interests of their communities, build bridges with power centres, and ensure their people are not left behind. In many cases, this requires public alignment with those in authority. The alternative—detachment and irrelevance—serves no one.
Let us also not forget that President Tinubu enjoys broad-based support in parts of the North, particularly among elders and political elites who see in him a bridge between regions, religions, and realities. The Emir of Daura’s position may simply reflect this prevailing sentiment.
In conclusion, the outrage over Emir Faruk Umar Faruk’s remarks is exaggerated and unfair. He did not desecrate his throne. Rather, he demonstrated the courage to speak plainly, the wisdom to engage with the nation’s leadership, and the foresight to act in the interest of his people. At a time when our traditional institutions are struggling to remain relevant, we should be applauding such bold engagement, not attacking it.
The North—and indeed Nigeria—needs emirs who are not afraid to speak up, who can engage power with dignity, and who are unashamed to show loyalty when it aligns with the people’s interests. Emir Faruk has done just that.
Let us respect that.
Hon. Al-Hassan Ado Doguwa,
Sardaunan Kasar Hausa Mai Tuta
(APC, Doguwa Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State) is former Majority Leader, House of Representatives