By KEMI KASUMU
Kamaldeen Akintunde Esq, Secretary General Ogun State Muslim Communicy (OMC), congratulating ex-Kadana State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rifai, during the occasion of his conferment of chieftaincy as Ggobaniyi of Ijebu Land by the Awujale of Ijebu Land, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
From Right: Kamaldeen Akintunde Esq, Secretary General Ogun State Muslim Communicy (OMC), congratulating ex-Kadana State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rifai, during the occasion of his conferment of chieftaincy as Ggobaniyi of Ijebu Land by the Awujale of Ijebu Land, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, was on Saturday December 16, 2023 conferred with the chieftaincy title of Gbobaniyi of Ijebu Land by the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
El-Rufai, at separate times, made his landmarks as a excellent performer and indefatigable achiever, first as Director General, Bureau of Public Entreprises (BPE), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) both during the civilian administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) and, from May 29, 2015 until seven months ago, precisely May 29, 2023, Governor of Kaduna State.
By the accomplishment of his conferment as Gbobaniyi of Ijebu Land on Saturday, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai became the first non-Yoruba Nigerian from outside of South West Nigeria and a Northerner to be conferred a title in the history of Ijebu Land, especially by the Awujale in his nearly 64 years on the throne.
Expressing his delight on the installation, the former governor had late on Friday December 15 posted on his X handle saying, “I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, the 16th of December 2023, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland will honour my brother and confidante Otunba Jimi Lawal with two chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.
“I also am privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of South-West of Nigeria to be conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Awujale in his nearly 64-year reign.
“I am to be recognised as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland. I am grateful to Kabiyesi Awujale for the recognition and thank all those who have wished me well for this,” Mallam El-Rufai said.
