Aliyu Marafa, the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area, has been placed on administrative leave by the Zamfara State Government for bestowing a chieftaincy title upon a “notorious bandit leader.”
Kabiru Sardauna, the Zamfara state’s secretary, made the suspension public in a statement on Sunday, July 17.
The emir turbaned Aleru as the Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of Yandoto Emirate.
Outrage and protest were sparked when images and news of the turbaning ritual in Zamfara State went viral.
Governor Bello Matawalle approved the creation of a committee to look into the events leading up to the emir’s behaviour in addition to suspending him.
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Yahaya Goro serves as the committee’s chairman, and Musa Garba serves as its secretary. Yahay Kanoma, Muhammed Magaji, Lawal Zannah, and Isa Moriki are the members.
The statement read;
In the meantime, Alh. Mahe Garba Marafa, who is the District Head of ‘Yandoto is hereby assigned to take charge of the affairs of the Emirate.
Reaso For Turbaning
Reports had revealed how several bandit group leaders and lieutenants arrived at the venue of the occasion on several motorbikes to celebrate with Aleru during his turbaning.
A source explained the decision to make the bandits’ leader a chief was aimed at finding lasting peace in Tsafe and the Yandoton Daji Emirates, and other areas that were regularly attacked by Aleru-led gangs.
The source said;
It was aimed at providing lasting peace in the emirate, the emir told us that there is a peace accord between the emirate and the bandit group.
Similarly, an official from the palace who pleaded anonymity said that the title of Sarkin Fulani was conferred on Alero considering his present status as a ‘peace-maker’ within the emirate.
He said;
The chieftaincy title was given to him in appreciation of the peace reconciliation.
