The Emir of Birnin Yandoto, Aliyu Garba, who was suspended months ago for Conferring a chieftaincy title to a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Aliero, has been reinstated by the government of Zamfara State, led by Governor Bello Matawalle.
The state government’s secretary, Kabiru Balarabe, confirmed the development in a statement made available to newsmen.
The statement claims that after giving Aliero the traditional rank of a Fulani leader, the suspended Emir was reinstated because he was cleared of the accusations levelled against him.
The statement reads: “This is to inform the public that, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has approved the reinstatement of Alhaji Aliyu Garba Marafa as the Emir of Birnin Yandoto.”
“His reinstatement is based on the committee’s recommendations to investigate all issues pertaining to the conferment of a traditional title to a repentant bandit, Ado Aleiru”.
“The committee found no evidence of any ill motive or collaboration between the Emir and the bandit.”
According to a statement from the state government, the traditional title was given to the “repentant bandit” as part of efforts to promote peace between the communities affected by banditry and the repentant bandits in the Tsafe and Gusau Local Government Areas, which include Yandoto town.
Recalls that in July 2022, Ado Aliero was given the title of Sarkin Fulani (leader of the Fulani) by the Emir of Birnin Yandoto, a relative of Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa. There was a lot of controversy and tension caused by the development.
There was a great deal of public outcry both inside and outside the state, which led Governor Bello Matawalle to immediately suspend the Emir.
Ada Peter
