Alhaji Abdulfatai Coker, the Sarikin Yorubawa and traditional leader of the community, has been suspended by the Yoruba Community Council in Sokoto State.
A letter dated April 19, 2024, signed by the secretary, Imam Abdulwahab Lawal, and president general, Chief James Olorunfemi, of the council, contained the suspension of the Sarikin Yorubawa.
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.”
Upon being approached, the king stated he would confer with his cabinet colleagues and then announce his position to the public.
He said, “I am presently holding meeting with my cabinet members on the next line of action.”
