The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that traditional rulers do not require constitutional backing to advise Nigeria’s political leaders, stressing that their legitimacy comes from the people they represent.

Sanusi stated this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he discussed the relevance of traditional institutions in modern governance and the push for inclusive political participation.

The former Central Bank Governor argued that the influence of traditional rulers is rooted in the trust of their people, not legal stipulations.

Sanusi asked, “Do I need to be told to advise the President? Do I need the Constitution to tell me that if I think there is something the country needs, I should go to the President and say, ‘Mr President, I think this is wrong?.

“I don’t need the Constitution. I don’t need the Constitution to tell the governor that I think this is what we should be doing. I get that authority from being a leader of the people.”

Sanusi criticised those insisting that the role of traditional rulers must be enshrined in the Constitution before they can engage in governance, saying such views are outdated.

“What is in the Constitution that traditional rulers are there to advise us? We respect that you have executive authority of the governor; times have moved,” he said.

Beyond traditional institutions, the emir also called for greater inclusion of women in politics and governance, describing it as essential for national development.

He said women’s voices and leadership are critical in advancing more inclusive, equitable, and people-focused policies, urging political parties and institutions to increase female representation at all levels.

“Women have a crucial role to play in enhancing inclusive governance,” he said.