By Akinwale Kasali
The Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on Saturday installed the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland.
The revered Monarch’s installation of El Rufai as Gbobaniyi makes the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the first Nigerian outside the South West to receive a chieftaincy title from the Awujale of Ijebuland in his nearly 64-year reign.
A delighted El-Rufai couldn’t hide his joy, as he expressed his delight on his Social Media Handle, X (formerly Twitter), writing, “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 confidant, 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.”
