‘I was legally installed as Sarkin Fulani of Oyo’

The Sarkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Salihu Abdulkadir, whose palace was razed recently by some youths, has said that he was legally installed as the Sarkin Fulani, contrary to claims in some quarters.

Some natives of Ibarapa land, especially the youths, said they were exploring all options to challenge the legality and appropriateness of the appointment of Alhaji as traditional ruler of Fulani Ibarapa area of the state.

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The convener of Igangan Development Advocates, Mr Oladokun Oladiran, told newsmen on Friday that having a Sarkin Fulani in the area was akin to having another king to rival the traditional ruler of the natives.

But while responding to the claim on Saturday, Alhaji Salihu Abdulkadir told Daily Trust on Sunday that he was conferred with the Sarkin Fulani of Ifelodun Local Government in 1992 by the then council chairman, Alhaji Abass, adding that the local council is made up of five towns, which include Igboora and Igangan.

“I was the first and the only Sarkin Fulani until when Ibarapa North was carved out, and my function is to represent the interests of the Fulani communities. I periodically hold meetings with my subject to make sure that peace reigns between farmers and herders, and if there is disagreement between Fulani and the natives, I help to settle it for them.

“It was my leadership qualities that made the Asigangan of Igangan land to also install me as Magaji of Igangan land, in addition to the Sarki title,” he said.

He said he and his family had lived in Igangan peacefully for over 50 years.