Shehu Sani Warns Against Chieftaincy Titles for Politicians’ Families

In a recent development, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has raised concerns about the practice of conferring chieftaincy titles on serving government officials and their immediate family members. This warning comes on the heels of the turbaning of the son of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in Kebbi State. According to Premium Times Nigeria, the turbaning ceremony took place on Saturday, November 12, 2026, with Tinubu hailing the occasion as a ‘significant tradition’ that strengthens the bond between his family and the Kebbi community. However, Shehu Sani’s advice is a reminder of the potential for such titles to blur the lines between politics and tradition, and could potentially be exploited for political gain.

This is not the first time Shehu Sani has spoken out against such practices. In 2019, he criticized the conferment of chieftaincy titles on politicians during the build-up to the general elections, stating that such titles could be used to influence voters.

The issue of chieftaincy titles for politicians and their families is a contentious one in Nigerian politics. Critics argue that it can lead to nepotism and the abuse of power, while proponents argue that it is a way of recognizing the contributions of influential figures to their communities. The practice is particularly prevalent in the northern part of Nigeria, where traditional institutions hold significant influence.