Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has approved the reinstatement of Emir of Yandoto, Alhaji Aliyu Maraca, to the throne of Emir of Birnin Yandoto. The decision, announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, is based on the recommendations of a committee investigating the conferment of a traditional title to a repentant bandit, Ado Aleiru.
The committee found no evidence of ill motive or collaboration between the Emir and the bandit. According to Balarabe, the traditional title was conferred on the repentant bandit as part of peace-building efforts between him and banditry-affected communities in Tsafe and Gusau Local Government Areas, including Yandoto town.
The reinstatement is effective immediately. The Emir of Yandoto was suspended on July 18, 2022, for confirming the traditional title “Sarkin Fulanin Yandoto” to Ado Aleru, an alleged notorious bandit. The conferment generated public outcry, leading to the postponement of the ceremony and the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.
