Some indigenes of Zamfara State under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens of Shinkafi have vehemently rejected the traditional title conferred of Sadaukin Shinkafi on the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode.
The group, which made this known at a press conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammadu Makwashe to withdraw the title or face protests and legal action.
Addressing reporters, the Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi, Dr.Suleiman Shinkafi, said the group rejected the title conferred on Fani-Kayode due to the fact that the PDP chieftain does not respect Northern leaders and its people from the region.
He added that the Emir took the decision alone and refused to consult with the Chiefs and people of the kingdom which he said does not reflect their wishes.
Shinkafi, however, noted that he and 7 other titleholders from the emirate have resigned their appointment due to the unpopular decision of the monarch. He explained that their action was not based on religion or ethnicity.
“The title conferred on Fani Kayode is highly revered and supposed to be given to a respected son of Shinkafi. Not someone from Lagos who has no respect for our Northern leaders. In the North we’ve respect for our leaders and will not support anybody who has no respect for our leaders,” he said.
”I am also a title holder in Imo state. Fani Kayode does not deserve any title in the North. We don’t welcome him. He has abused our leaders right from Danfodio to the Sultan. He called Northerners Almajiri and has not apologized. Any state in the North that gives him title, we will come out and protest.
“The emir did not consult anybody, even former governor, Mamuda Shinkafi was not consulted. Nobody knew about the conferment. Fani Kayode does not know Shinkafi. We understand he visited Maradun, the emir there did not confer any title on him. But our emir traveled to Gusau, signed letter and conferred title on him. He does not respect our leaders so the conferment is null and void.”
