Council Suspends Yoruba Monarch in Sokoto

The Yoruba Community Council in Sokoto State has suspended the community’s traditional ruler, the Sarikin Yorubawa, Alhaji Abdulfatai Coker.

The suspension of the Sarikin Yorubawa was contained in a letter dated April 19, 2024, and was signed by the council’s President-General, Chief James Olorunfemi; and secretary, Imam Abdulwahab Lawal.

The letter, copied to the Sultanate Council; the Sokoto State Government; the Commissioner of Police; and the Director of the Department of State Services, directed Coker to stop parading himself as the Sarikin Yorubawa in Sokoto.

The council said, “In line with the provision of the Constitution of the Yoruba Council, Sokoto, Article 9()d, the Yoruba community has the power to remove the Sarikin Yoruba (Oba of Yoruba), if found wanting in the discharge of his duties.

Having severally noted that in total disregard and contempt of the authorities of the Yoruba Community Council in your official activities and your refusal to amend and foster peaceful resolution between you and the Yoruba community council after several attempts, the Yoruba Community Council, Sokoto State, which enthroned and issued you certificate as Sariki Yorubawa, hereby suspends you indefinitely and dissolves your council and unanimously pass a vote of no confidence in you by a majority vote which was ratified at the general meeting of the council.”

When contacted, the monarch said he would make his position known to the general pubic after meeting with his cabinet members.

He said, “I am presently holding meeting with my cabinet members on the next line of action.”