By Yusuf Ladan
The Kebbi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has directed all Emirate Councils, District Heads, and Village Heads to suspend the conferment of traditional titles without prior approval from the ministry.
The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Deputy Director of Administration, Abubakar Mansur-Tuga, and issued in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
According to the circular, the decision followed complaints over the indiscriminate award of traditional titles, allegedly carried out without adherence to established guidelines and regulations.
It stated that the conferment of traditional titles must uphold the integrity, dignity, and longstanding traditions associated with such positions, stressing that no title should be granted under any circumstances without clearance from the ministry, in line with ongoing reforms.
The ministry also ordered the reversal of all titles conferred within the last two months that did not follow due process, directing that beneficiaries be notified of the withdrawal immediately.
The measure, the circular said, is aimed at restoring sanity and dignity in the award of traditional titles.
Traditional institutions were further urged to ensure that all future conferments are conducted with proper decorum and in strict compliance with the law.