The Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko II, alongside his council of chiefs, has paid a thank-you visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, following the resolution of the 10-month traditional leadership crisis surrounding the Sarkin Hausawa stool in Ibadanland.
The visit, which was marked by expressions of gratitude, renewed assurances of peaceful coexistence and discussions on the welfare and development of the Hausa community, provided an opportunity for the traditional ruler and his chiefs to appreciate the governor’s intervention in resolving the prolonged dispute.
Speaking on behalf of the council of chiefs, its chairman, Alhaji Danjuma Yakubu, expressed the Hausa community’s profound appreciation to Governor Makinde for his role in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis.
Yakubu described the governor’s intervention as a demonstration of his commitment to justice and the will of the people, noting that Makinde had once again shown that he would stand by the truth and ensure that the wishes of the people prevailed.
He assured the governor of the Hausa community’s continued support for his administration, adding that members of the community had great expectations for the future because of the developmental strides recorded under his leadership.
According to him, the community was particularly grateful for the governor’s intervention, stressing that words alone could hardly express their appreciation for what they considered a timely and decisive resolution of the crisis.
He also expressed confidence in Makinde’s leadership, saying the Hausa community would continue to identify with his political aspirations.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, conveyed the appreciation of the Hausa community to Governor Makinde, explaining that the Sarkin and his council of chiefs had been eager to visit the governor since the traditional ruler received his certificate as the Sarkin hausawa of Ibadanland.
Olufade disclosed that the Sarkin had expressed his desire to pay a thank-you visit shortly after receiving the certificate, but he advised the delegation that an appointment would be arranged to enable them to formally meet with the governor.
The council chairman used the opportunity to reaffirm the support of the Sarkin Hausawa and his council of chiefs for the state government, while commending the administration for its developmental initiatives across Sabo and other areas inhabited by the Hausa community.
He noted that the community had continued to appreciate the government’s efforts in addressing issues affecting its welfare and promoting peaceful coexistence among residents of different ethnic backgrounds.
Olufade also commended the governor for listening to the concerns of the Hausa community and ensuring that the dispute was resolved, describing the development as an important step towards restoring harmony and strengthening confidence in the traditional leadership structure.
In his address, the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko II, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Makinde for restoring joy and confidence within the Hausa community through his intervention in the protracted traditional leadership crisis.
Dikko II recalled that the dispute over who should emerge as the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland had lasted for about 10 months, attributing the prolonged disagreement to the actions of a few individuals whose interests, according to him, had hindered the emergence of a resolution acceptable to the community.
He, however, noted that the governor’s intervention helped bring the disagreement to an end, paving the way for him to assume the traditional position.
The traditional ruler described Makinde as the “Bulldozer of the Nation,” explaining that the expression reflected his confidence in the governor’s leadership and the development his administration had brought to Oyo State.
According to Dikko II, the governor had demonstrated through his administration’s activities that he possessed the leadership qualities needed to manage affairs at a broader level. He expressed the belief that the development initiatives recorded in Oyo State could be replicated nationally if Makinde were given the opportunity to lead at the federal level.
The Sarkin further commended the governor for his commitment to peace and inclusiveness, noting that the administration had helped the Hausa community feel accepted and at home in Ibadanland.
He assured the governor of the community’s continued solidarity and support, adding that the community would reciprocate the governor’s goodwill through their votes in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Dikko II also announced that November 14, 2026, had been selected for the celebration of his installation as the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, inviting attention to the significance of the occasion for the community.
Beyond expressing appreciation, the Sarkin Hausawa used the visit to appeal to the state government to address some pressing needs of the Hausa community, particularly the shortage of space in Sabo.
He explained that the area currently occupied by the community had become inadequate because of its growing population, making additional space necessary to accommodate its expanding social and commercial activities.
Consequently, he appealed to the government to reconsider the earlier revocation of the Sanman Bola space and restore it to the Hausa community to help address its growing spatial needs.
The traditional ruler also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for giving them Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade as Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, describing him as a humble, brilliant and people-oriented leader.
Dikko II recalled that when the community presented its concerns to Olufade, the council chairman assured them that he would convey their requests to the governor for consideration.
He said the community was pleasantly surprised that the matter was resolved within 48 hours, describing the swift response as a demonstration of the administration’s willingness to listen to residents and address their concerns.
He concluded by thanking Governor Makinde for restoring smiles to the faces of members of the Hausa community and ensuring that their concerns received attention.
Responding on behalf of Governor Makinde, his ally, the Balogun Bobajiro of Orile-Igbon, Otunba Seye Famojuro, thanked the Sarkin Hausawa and his council of chiefs for the visit and formally congratulated Dikko II on his installation.
Famojuro urged the traditional ruler and his delegation to remain grateful to God, noting that the attainment of positions of authority ultimately depended on divine providence.
He also established a personal connection with the delegation, disclosing that he had attended school in Katsina State, from where the Sarkin hails, and had undertaken his National Youth Service Corps programme in Kaduna State.
He said his experiences in Northern Nigeria had fostered a strong sense of belonging and connection with people from the region, adding that he regarded them as family.
Famojuro assured the Sarkin that he could count on him as an ambassador and pledged to reciprocate the visit by visiting the traditional ruler at his palace.
He further assured the delegation that the government would provide the necessary support for the traditional institution, including the relevant paraphernalia befitting the office of a traditional ruler.
Addressing the concerns raised about the popular suya spot in Sabo, Famojuro disclosed plans to modernise and remodel the facility, promising that the original occupants would be allowed to reclaim their spaces after the redevelopment.
He explained that the proposed intervention was intended to improve the environment while preserving the commercial interests and livelihoods of those who had occupied the area.
Famojuro also urged the Hausa community to participate actively in the electoral process and safeguard the integrity of their votes, encouraging voters to remain present during the counting process.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations with the Hausa community, stressing that the government is for everyone, irrespective of ethnic background.
He thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them that their show of appreciation would not be taken for granted.
Also speaking during the visit, the Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Arewa Affairs, Alhaji Murtala Amodu, expressed appreciation to the governor for the hospitality and inclusion extended to the Hausa community.
Amodu noted that the community had continued to benefit from the administration’s engagement and efforts to ensure that residents from different ethnic backgrounds enjoyed a sense of belonging.
He further disclosed that the state government plans to provide land for a burial ground for deceased members of the Hausa community, describing the proposed initiative as an important step towards addressing one of the community’s longstanding needs.
The announcement was received as another issue of interest to the delegation, given the importance of adequate burial facilities to the community’s religious and cultural practices.
The visit ended with congratulatory exchanges, expressions of goodwill and group photographs featuring the newly installed Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko II, his council of chiefs and other dignitaries.
