By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Yoruba Elders Forum in Kano has commended, Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his intervention in the leadership crisis rocking the Yoruba community in the State.
They described the state government’s intervention as a step towards the right direction.
The socio-cultural forum for the Yoruba ethnic nationality in Kano expressed profound gratitude to the Kano State Government for its decisive intervention in the ongoing conflict within the Yoruba community in the state.
In a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Alhaji Salami Abejide, the Forum commended Governor Yusuf and his administration for inaugurating a Reconciliation Committee, aimed at addressing the prevailing tensions among the Yoruba people in Kano.
The Reconciliation Committee, inaugurated on Thursday, August 22, 2024, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Abdullahi Bichi, on behalf of Governor Yusuf, was constituted in response to a brewing conflict that had threatened the unity of the Yoruba community.
The Committee is tasked with resolving the crisis between two factions within the Yoruba community—one led by the Oba’s Group, and the other by the self-appointed Aare Group, led by the Imam of Fitiyatudeen Islam Society Mosque in Kano.
The Forum lauded the state government for its timely and proactive approach to the situation.
They emphasized that the Yoruba community is an integral part of the larger Kano community, and any disruption in its harmony could have broader implications for the state.
“The Governor’s swift action in setting up this Reconciliation Committee underscores his commitment to peace and stability not only within the Yoruba community but across the entire state,” the Statement stated.
The conflict, which stemmed from appointments made by the Kano Emirate Council, had caused a significant rift within the Yoruba community.
The appointments, placing certain Yoruba individuals in charge of various communities across Kano, were met with resistance from a rival group, leading to tensions that necessitated government intervention.
The Reconciliation Committee, comprising eleven members, is chaired by Prof. Usman Muhammad, with Dr. Ransom Bello serving as co-chairman.
The Committee members were carefully selected for their learning independence and expertise, with representatives drawn from academia and other relevant sectors, including a representative from the Kano Emirate Council.
The committee’s mandate includes inviting the conflicting parties, relevant associations, and individuals residing in Kano to make submissions related to the crisis.
They are also charged with investigating the immediate and remote causes of the conflict and the roles played by various parties, both internal and external.
The Yoruba Elders Forum specifically praised the Kano Emirate Council for its involvement in the reconciliation process, noting that its role was crucial given the complicities surrounding the appointments that triggered the conflict.
They recalled that the 15th Emir of Kano had appointed the purported Yoruba leaders in some communities without due consultation with critical stakeholders of the Yoruba people in Kano.
They, therefore, highlighted the importance of the committee’s work in providing lasting solutions and recommendations that would ensure the crisis does not reoccur.
The Forum called on Yoruba leaders across Nigeria, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governors of the South West states, to commend Governor Abba Yusuf for his nationalistic and inclusive approach to governance.
“Governor Yusuf’s handling of this delicate situation is a model of leadership that prioritizes unity and peace over division. His efforts should be recognized and appreciated by Yoruba leaders nationwide,” the statement added.
The Forum expressed appreciation to their son, Honourable Abdulsalam A. Abiola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Community Affairs who was instrumental in initiating the reconciliatory process.
The Forum pledged the loyalty and cooperation of the larger Yoruba community in Kano to the government of Governor Yusuf.
The Yoruba elder assured the Governor that the Yoruba people in Kano are committed to supporting his administration in its efforts to ensure peace and prosperity for all residents of the state.
“The Yoruba community in Kano is ready to contribute to the success of Governor Yusuf’s administration. We stand united in our resolve to promote peace and development in Kano State,” they affirmed.
The Reconciliation Committee has been given a four-week timeline to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
The Committee’s work is expected to bring an end to the crisis and restore harmony within the Yoruba community in Kano.
The Forum maintained that the development marks a significant step towards resolving the conflict and fostering unity within the diverse communities of Kano State.
The Yoruba social-cultural group’s commendation of the Kano State Government’s efforts reflects a broader sentiment of hope and optimism for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.