Zamfara suspends monarch for giving chieftaincy title to ‘repentant bandit’

The Zamfara State Government has suspended the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area, Aliyu Marafa, for conferring a chieftaincy title to a ‘notorious bandit leader.’

Secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Sardauna, announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday.

Aleru was turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of Yandoto Emirate by the emir.

News of the turbaning ceremony along with photos went viral, generating outcry and outrage.

Apart from suspending the emir, Governor Bello Matawalle approved the appointment of a Committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.

The committee has Yahaya Goro as chairman and Musa Garba as secretary. Members are Yahay Kanoma, Muhammed Magaji, Lawal Zannah, Isa Moriki.

The statement reads,
“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.”