The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, was officially appointed as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland in a ceremony presided over by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on Saturday.
During the same event, the monarch also conferred chieftaincy titles upon Jimi Lawal, a former governorship aspirant in Ogun, and his wife, Maryam.
Expressing his joy, El-Rufai took to his verified social media handle on Friday night, announcing the honor and highlighting its significance. According to him, he is the first individual outside the southwest region to receive a chieftaincy title from the Awujale.
“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 honor my brother and confidante Otunba Jimi Lawal with two chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.
“I am also privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of South-West 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,” his announcement stated