Matawalle reinstates emir suspended over conferment of chieftaincy title on ‘repentant bandit’

Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, has approved the reinstatement of Aliyu Marafa, the emir of Yandoton Daji.

In a statement by Kabiru Sardauna, the secretary to the state government, on Saturday, the reinstatement was based on the recommendations of a committee set up to investigate the issue of the conferment of traditional title on a “repentant bandit” leader. 

 “This is to inform the public that His Excellency, the executive governor of Zamfara state, Hon Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, (Shatiman Sokoto), has approved the reinstatement of Alh. Aliyu Garba Marafa as the emir of Birnin Yandoto,” the statement reads.

 “Based on the findings of the committee, the traditional title was conferred on the repentant bandit as part of peace-building efforts between the repentant bandit and banditry-affected communities in Tsafe and Gusau local government areas, which include Yandoto town. The reinstatement takes immediate effect.”

TheCable had reported that the emir made Aleru, the Sarkin Fulani of the emirate, in July 2022.

The conferment sparked criticism as many Nigerians accused the state government and security operatives of treating bandits with kid gloves.

The governor subsequently suspended the emir and warned other traditional rulers who refused to get official permission before awarding chieftaincy titles would be seriously reprimanded.