Zamfara State Suspends Emir of Birnin

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

The suspension was announced in a statement on Sunday by the secretary to the State Government, Kabiru Sardauna.Aleru was turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of Yandoto Emirate by the emir.

Outrage and protest were sparked when images and news of the turbaning ritual 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.

Yahaya Goro serves as the committee’s chairman, and Musa Garba serves as its secretary.

Yahaya Kanoma, Muhammed Magaji, Lawal Zannah, and Isa Moriki are the members.

“In the meantime, Alh. Mahe Garba Marafa, who is the District Head of ‘Yandoto, is at this moment assigned to take charge of the affairs of the Emirate,” the statement said.

Earlier, Channels Television had reported how several bandit group leaders and lieutenants arrived at the venue of the occasion on several motorbikes to celebrate with Aleru during his turbaning.

According to a source who spoke to Channels Television, the decision to elevate the bandits’ commander to the rank of a chief was made to bring about long-term calm in the Yandoton Daji Emirates, Tsafe, and other regions that were frequently targeted by gangs led by Aleru.

“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,” the source said.

Similar to this, a palace official who requested anonymity indicated that Alero was given the title of Sarkin Fulani because of his current role as an “emirate peacemaker.

““The chieftaincy title was given to him in appreciation of the peace reconciliation,” he said.