Daud Olatunji
A simmering leadership crisis within the Hausa community in Ibadan has escalated, as the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in the 17 southern states waded into the dispute, asserting that Alhaji Ali Zungeru, the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, lacked the moral and constitutional authority to suspend Sarkin Sasa, Haruna Maiyasin.
The feud between Zungeru and Maiyasin reached a new level when Maiyasin was purportedly suspended during a Hausawa community meeting chaired by Zungeru on Wednesday.
The suspension was allegedly due to allegations of insubordination, disrespect for the revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the unauthorized conferral of chieftaincy titles without consulting the Sarki Hausawa of Ibadanland.
The Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, represented by Sarkin Samari of Shuwa/Arab of Nigeria, Ahmed Muhammed; Uban Gari of Sasa, Isa Nalado; and Adam Haruna, Secretary of Sarkin Sasa palace, convened at Sarkin Sasa’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, to voice their stance.
They argued that Maiyasin had been appointed by the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Oloyede Asanike, in 1983 and had been appointed as Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in 1994 by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Sarkin Samari of Shuwa/Arab of Nigeria, Ahmed Muhammed, emphasized, “The Federal Government, led by late Gen Sani Abacha, appointed Maiyasin as Chairman of the Council.
All the Hausawa from the affected states endorsed the government’s decision. He was given a certificate as confirmation. So, you cannot remove someone you did not appoint.”
Uban Gari of Sasa, Isa Nalado, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Maiyasin is only accountable to the esteemed leadership and institution of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, to which he is loyal and subservient.”
The Council appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Balogun, to intervene and mediate the dispute, urging Zungeru and those involved to maintain order to prevent any potential unrest within the Hausa community in Ibadan and the broader state.
The situation has raised concerns of a potential breakdown of law and order, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution.
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