…as chiefs resign from traditional council in protest
A traditional title bestowed on a former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has torn the Shinkafi Emirate in Zamfara State apart.
Emir of Shinkafi, Muhammad Makwashe, had during the weekend, conferred the traditional title of “Sadaukin Shinkafi” on Fani-Kayode.
The emir had said the honour was in appreciation of the former minister’s support and contributions to the development of the emirate.
But the conferment of the title on Fani-Kayode has thrown the emirate into crisis, with some title holders kicking against it as negating the ideals of traditional councils.
Already, some prominent persons in the emirate have asked the monarch to withdraw the title from Fani-Kayode, who they said was not worthy of it.
But the emir’s refusal to accede to their demand angered some traditional chiefs, who resigned from the emirate.
While Sulaiman Shinkafi and Tijjani Shinkafi, both Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi, respectively, announced their resignation at a press briefing in Kaduna, three others also tendered their joint resignation letter on Wednesday.
In the letter, the title holders said, “We view this conferment against the functions and ideas of traditional councils such as contribution to development of administration, economic policy, security, culture, customs, religious dispute and general well-being of the citizens.
“The conferment is not in conformity with any of the above core values. Conferment should be based on these important principles (and) not politically instigated to divide and cause chaos to good citizens of Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria, and Nigeria at large.”
Also, Shinkafi, who resigned as the Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi, at the briefing accused Fani-Kayode of abusing the northern culture and religion.
“This is a man known to always disrespect and abuse our leaders and forefathers in the region,” he said.
Hours after the conferment, Fani-Kayode had commended the emirate and promised to continue to maintain good relationship with Zamfara and core northern states.
He had said, “I am highly impressed with this title given to me as one of the heroes of Shinkafi emirate. I commend the present administration led by Gov. Bello Matawalle for promoting peace and stability in the state.
“I came to Zamfara for bridge-building. I went around the state, I am impressed with the peace been restored and various infrastructural development.”
Fani-Kayode is a critic of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.