Fani-Kayode Chieftaincy Tears Zamfara Emirates Apart

A rift has emerged in the Shinkafi emirate of Zamfara State following a traditional chieftaincy title bestowed on Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation.

The Emir of Shinkari, Muhammad Makwashe, had during the weekend, conferred the traditional title of “Sadaukin Shinkafi” on Fani-Kayode in appreciation for his support and contributions to the development of the emirate.

But the conferment of the title has caused a division in the emirate, with some titleholders asking the Emir to withdraw the title from Fani-Kayode whom they said is not worthy of it.

Emir Makwashe, however, refused to withdraw the title, leading to the resignation of some traditional chiefs in the emirate.

In a press briefing in Kaduna, Sulaiman Shinkafi and Tijjani Shinkafi, both Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi resigned.

Naija News reports that three more tendered their joint resignation letter also on Wednesday.

The titleholders said: “We view this conferment against the functions and ideas of traditional councils such as contribution to the 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.”

Following the conferment, Fani-Kayode had vowed to continue to maintain a good relationship with Zamfara and core northern states.

“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,” he had said.

“I came to Zamfara for bridge-building. I went around the state, I am impressed with the peace been restored and various infrastructural development.”