Mahdi Shehu slams traditional rulers over conferment of titles on moneybags

Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticised traditional rulers over what he described as the indiscriminate conferment of traditional titles on wealthy individuals and people with questionable backgrounds.

Shehu made the criticism in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday while reacting to the conferment of the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu on Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

The title, which translates to “Son of the Lion of Gwandu”, was conferred on Seyi by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, at the Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi.

Questioning the criteria used in awarding traditional titles, Shehu accused some traditional rulers of conferring honours without properly considering the character and contributions of recipients.

He suggested that traditional institutions should introduce an open bidding process for titles, with fixed prices published to allow interested individuals to make offers.

“Why not publish an open tender for all titles, with fixed prices, so that moneybags, convicted criminals, prisoners and all questionable characters can bid and offer prices above the stated amounts?” he wrote.

He argued that the manner in which some honours were being awarded could undermine their cultural significance.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated his son on the conferment of the title.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the title was more than personal recognition and that it reflected friendship, mutual respect and unity among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.

“As a father, I am pleased to see my son recognised by a traditional institution with such a distinguished history,” Tinubu said.