By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A prominent Ibadan chief and businessman, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has strongly opposed the suspension of the Sarkin Sasa and Head of the Fulani and Arewa community in Ibadan, Haruna Maiyasin, by the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Ali Zungeru. Arisekola has warned that Zungeru lacks the authority to remove any chief under the jurisdiction of the Olubadan of Ibadanland without the latter’s approval.
The controversy arose following the suspension of Haruna Maiyasin as Sarkin Sasa, which took place at a Hausawa community meeting headed by Alhaji Zungeru. The suspension was attributed to allegations of insubordination, disrespect for the Olubadan of Ibadanland’s stool, and the unauthorized conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals without consulting the Sarki Hausawa of Ibadanland.
In response, Mogaji Arisekola, who holds a prominent position in Ibadan, stressed that only the Olubadan of Ibadanland possesses the authority to suspend or remove a chief in his domain. He cautioned against actions that could be perceived as high-handedness or an encroachment on the Olubadan’s powers and privileges.
In a related development, the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in the 17 southern states of Nigeria echoed similar sentiments. They expressed the belief that Ali Zungeru did not possess the moral or constitutional rights to suspend Haruna Maiyasin from office.
Sarkin Samari of Shuwa/Arab of Nigeria, Ahmed Muhammed, along with Uban Gari of Sasa, Isa Nalado, and the Secretary of Sarkin Sasa’s palace, Adam Haruna, issued a statement on behalf of the Council. They emphasized that Haruna Maiyasin had been appointed by the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Oloyede Asanike, in 1983. Furthermore, he had been designated as the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in 1994 by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Muhammed underlined the federal government’s role in Maiyasin’s appointment and stated, “You cannot remove the person that you did not appoint.”
The Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs made a plea to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Balogun, to intervene and prevent further discord, emphasizing their commitment to the Olubadan’s leadership and the institution. They called for restraint to avert potential tension and maintain law and order within the Hausa community and the state as a whole.