Image caption: Nasir El-Rufai
Ijebu agog as Awujale confers chieftaincy titles on El-Rufai, Jimi Lawal
Yinka ADETUNJI
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The paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, Saturday, conferred the traditional title of ‘Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland’ on the immediate-past governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a post on his verified social media handles hours before the event on Saturday, El-Rufai said he is the first Nigerian outside of South-West of Nigeria to be conferred with a chieftaincy title by the revered Awujale in his over 60 years on the throne.
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El-Rufai was honoured alongside his long-time ally and confidant, Jimi Lawal, who was also honoured alongside his wife.
The former governor wrote: “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 (yes, not one but two) chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.
“I am also 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 recognized 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.
“Please join me, Jimi, and our families and friends in prayers for a hitch free event, and good health, long life and prosperity of His Majesty Awujale and all of us. – Nasir @elrufai.”
