The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has conferred the title of Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland on the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. This marks the first time a non-South West Nigerian has received a chieftaincy title from the Awujale during his nearly 64-year reign.
The installation ceremony took place on Saturday, 16th December 2023. El-Rufai expressed his gratitude and joy over the recognition, taking to his Twitter handle to share his excitement. He also announced that his brother and confidant, Otunba Jimi Lawal, along with his wife Maryam Lawal, would receive two chieftaincy titles for their contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria.
In his tweet, El-Rufai said, “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.”
He continued, “I also am privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of the 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.”
The installation of El-Rufai as Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland is seen as a testament to his notable contributions to the development of not only the Ijebu Kingdom but also Nigeria as a whole. It also signifies the continued tradition of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who has been a paramount ruler for over six decades.
