The Shinkafi Emirate of Zamfara State says it will not withdraw the title conferred on a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, by the Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe, despite the decision of five titleholders to resign their appointments.
Some of the title holders that resigned include Dr Sulaiman Shinkafi who held the title of Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Dr Tijjani Shinkafi who was the Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi.
Fani-Kayode, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, was conferred with the traditional title of “Sadaukin Shinkafi” by the emirate over the weekend, a move that was not accepted by some.
However, the Wambai Shinkafi, Dr. Sani Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the emirate, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the move could not be reversed.
Abdullahi said the five titleholders who resigned would soon be replaced even as he alleged that they were all loyalists and relatives of the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’aziz Yari, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress.
Incidentally, Fani-Kayode had a few days before receiving the title, lambasted Yari for allegedly flouting Covid-19 protocols at an airport.
Responding to a question, Abdullahi said, “The traditional title given to Chief Fani-Kayode is irreversible and irrevocable. Our emir is someone who has undiluted integrity. Whatever decision he takes, he stands by it. That is his ideology and principle. That was how he was raised.
“The conferment of titles is the prerogative of the emir. We give titles to anyone whether Christian or Muslim or Igbo, Yoruba or Itsekiri. We know where the heat is coming from. It is coming from the immediate past governor of Zamfara State. Those who have resigned their chieftaincy title given to them by emirate are affiliated with the governor.”
When asked why Fani-Kayode was chosen for the title, Abdullahi said the former minister had achieved many things and was from the illustrious family of Chief Remi Fani-Kayode (SAN).
He said several northern traditional rulers had conferred titles on southerners like former Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; APC leader, Bola Tinubu; former Governor Orji Kalu of Abia State and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
“There is no hatred between Muslims and Christians or northerners and southerners but some people who want to ignite hatred are reading political meaning to it. He was chosen so that we can foster unity. He served as a minister and represented the whole of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
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