By Akinwale Kasali
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, may lose the traditional title bestowed on him by the Emir of Shinkafi, Zamfara State, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe. The Emir has conferred him with the title of Sadaukin Shinkafi.
This became an issue following the resignation of two traditional title- holders in the Emirate.
The title holders resigned their positions in protest against the conferment of Sadaukin Shinkafi on Fani Kayode. They have giving the Emir a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the title bestowed on the vocal and bold Political Commentator.
The two traditional title holders who resigned are Dr Sulaiman Shuaibu Shinkafi who held the title of Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Dr Tijjani Salihu Shinkafi, who was the ‘Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi’.
The traditional title Fani-Kayode bagged in Zamfara has led to disquiet in the state, leading to internal crisis in the Emirates.
Speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu Shinkafi who spoke on behalf of Shinkafi Concerned Citizens, called on the Emir to reverse his decision.
He called on other traditional title-holders in Shinkafi emirate to equally resign because Fani-Kayode does not deserve the title conferred on him.
“We, the citizens of Shinkafi, reject the title of Sadaukin Shinkafi conferred on Femi Fani Kayode by the Emir of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Mohammed Isah Maikwashe because he does not deserve the title.
“This is a man known to always disrespect and abuse our leaders and forefathers in the region.
“In this, I resign the appointment conferred on me by the same emir as Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and also a colleague, Dr Tijjani Salihu of Danfodio University also has resigned as Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi,” he said.
Shuaibu said that the group would go to court if Fani-Kayode’s traditional title was not withdrawn.
“We are also expecting six additional title holders today who are resigning their titles,” he said.
According to him, members of the Shinkafi Concerned Citizens were mostly traditional title holders of the emirate, and found the unilateral action of the Emir as uncalled for.
“This decision is uncalled for and unacceptable, we were not consulted on this and it is null and void.
“After 24 hours if the decision is not reversed, then the Emir should expect wrath of the law and he should also resign.
“We are going to take to the street for protest against his decision; Fani- Kayode doesn’t deserve any title in the North and anyone who tries to give him, we are going to protest against that,” he said.
According to him, Fani-Kayode has no respect for Northern leaders.
“He always disgraces the north, insults our leaders,” Shuaibu added.
In a statement signed by the Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe and made available to newsmen in Gusau, Zamafara State Capital, the Monarch said the title was conferred on the former minister in respect of his support and contributions to the development of Shinkafi emirate.
Fani-Kayode, at a news briefing in Gusau, commended the emirate and promised to continue to maintain good relationship with Zamfara and core Northern states.
