Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Nigerian minister, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Abdul Aziz Yari on being conferred with the revered traditional title of Marafan Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III. In a statement, Fani-Kayode described Yari as the most deserving individual for the title, which had been vacant since the passing of its previous holder, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, in 2016.
A Legacy of Leadership
Fani-Kayode paid glowing tribute to the late Umaru Shinkafi, whom he referred to as one of Nigeria's greatest leaders, elder statesmen, and politicians. Shinkafi, a respected lawyer and former police officer, served as the head of the now-defunct Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) during President Shehu Shagari's administration. He is credited as the father and founder of Nigeria's three-tier intelligence agencies: the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). These agencies were established based on recommendations from a committee he chaired under General Ibrahim Babangida's regime.
Shinkafi was also a presidential aspirant on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1992, narrowly losing the nomination to Alhaji Adamu Ciroma. Fani-Kayode recalled his close relationship with Shinkafi, whom he considered a father figure, having been introduced to politics by him in 1990 after the ban on politics was lifted. He served as Shinkafi's special assistant during the presidential campaign and as the official spokesman of Choice '92, the campaign organisation.
Building Bridges Between North and South-West
Fani-Kayode emphasised Shinkafi's role in cementing the strong relationship and unbreakable bridge between the people of Northern Nigeria and the South-West. He noted that Shinkafi understood the importance of this bond for national unity and stability and worked tirelessly to strengthen it. The legacy of unity and leadership, according to Fani-Kayode, is now entrusted to Senator Abdul Aziz Yari, who was not only a close protégé of the late Marafan but also his son-in-law.
Continuity and Tradition
Fani-Kayode, who holds the traditional title of Sadaukin Shinkafi, expressed confidence that Yari will build on the noble legacy of his predecessor. He described their relationship as no longer just a political association but one of family and legacy, enshrined in the traditional institution of the Caliphate. He prayed for God's guidance and protection for the new Marafan and wished him success in all his future endeavours.
The statement concluded with blessings for the people, leaders, and traditional rulers of Zamfara State and for the nation of Nigeria. Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and Culture and Tourism, also serves as a legal practitioner and holds several traditional titles across the country.
