By A. A. Suleiman
The Kano State Government’s initiative to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Yoruba community in Kano was initially welcomed with optimism.
The creation of a Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee to examine and determine the divisions in the community seemed, on paper, to be a prudent and fair approach.
However, recent developments reveal that instead of acting as an impartial mediator, the committee has engaged in a range of biased practices.
Reports indicate that financial inducements have compromised the committee’s impartiality, rendering its eventual recommendations, which are yet to come out highly suspect and casting doubt on the reconciliation effort’s credibility.
The Yoruba community, historically peaceful and cohesive in Kano, is now faced with an unsettling crisis exacerbated by the actions of this committee. Tasked with handling sensitive matters, such as the legitimacy of the Aare Musulumi and the leadership of the Yoruba Community Executive, the committee’s duty was to act with fairness and maintain adherence to traditional customs that have long been the bedrock of the Yoruba community in Kano.
However, rather than fostering harmony, the committee has allowed itself to become a tool for those who seek to disturb the community’s peace. Despite clear court orders and ongoing legal processes on some of these matters, the committee has overstepped its mandate, disregarding existing court orders and other judicial processes and authority on the matters in a bid to serve the interests of specific factions.
The role of the committee was to examine the issues with an unbiased lens, ensuring a resolution aligned with the community’s established practices.
Instead, it has taken on the guise of an enforcement body for one side of the conflict, succumbing to financial inducements that have fueled its deviation from neutrality. Allegations have surfaced implicating Prof. Usman Muhammad Zunnurain, a Professor of Law at Bayero University Kano and the committee’s chairman, as presiding over a process tainted by corruption and undue influence.
This situation is particularly concerning, given Prof. Zunnurain’s prominent academic position and esteemed reputation within Nigeria’s academic circles.
One key figure allegedly responsible for funneling funds into the committee is Professor Khaleed, another member who has a checkered history when it comes to partisan interventions.
His name is all too familiar within Kano, notably due to his role in the 2019 gubernatorial elections. During the inconclusive election rerun in Gama Ward, Nasarawa Local Government, Prof. Khaleed was a prominent figure, reportedly operating on behalf of the opposition APC to manipulate the outcome.
His actions helped turn the tide against the then-PDP candidate, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, who, by fate’s hand, is now the state’s Governor under the NNPP. Prof. Khaleed’s involvement in questionable activities during that election has left an indelible mark on his reputation, raising questions about his suitability to serve on a committee meant to embody impartiality and ethical integrity.
It is no wonder that he now finds himself at the center of allegations linking him to financial inducements intended to sway the committee’s recommendations.
The seriousness of these accusations cannot be overstated. If the allegations are indeed true, it is a troubling indicator of how deeply personal agendas and financial incentives have infiltrated a committee that should be serving only one interest: the peace and unity of the Yoruba community.
The apparent willingness of certain committee members to disregard court orders further undermines the credibility of their recommendations. These court orders were put in place to ensure due process, and they must not be swept aside in favor of short-term appeasements that serve only a subset of individuals.
The implications of the committee’s actions extend beyond the Yoruba community alone. If this level of disregard for judicial authority is allowed to persist, it sets a dangerous precedent for governance and respect for the rule of law in Kano State and beyond.
When committees and institutions created by the government ignore judicial authority, they do not just fail in their mission—they erode public trust and threaten social stability. This is particularly concerning in a state as diverse as Kano, where communal harmony and respect for legal processes are paramount.
At this point, one can only hope that the chairman, Professor Zunnurain, will seriously reconsider his role in this process. To protect his reputation, as well as the integrity of the prestigious Bayero University which he represents, it may be best for him to recuse himself from his role as Chairman of the Committee.
By distancing himself from these allegations, he could preserve his standing within academia and avoid further tarnishing his legacy. His resignation would also send a clear message that respected academic figures will not lend their names to processes tainted by corruption and partisanship.
Moreover, the Kano State Government, and particularly Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, must take a proactive stance in addressing these allegations.
An immediate investigation into the committee’s actions would demonstrate a firm commitment to justice and accountability. If the claims of financial inducement and disregard for court orders are substantiated, then the committee should be disbanded. This would pave the way for alternative approaches to reconciliation that are rooted in fairness and respect for the law.
In choosing to uphold judicial authority and ensuring unbiased conflict resolution mechanisms, the governor can reaffirm Kano State’s commitment to lawful and ethical governance. It is crucial that any efforts to resolve conflicts within the Yoruba community adhere to established court orders and respect ongoing legal processes. Only then can the reconciliation process regain the trust of the Yoruba community and foster an outcome that is fair, sustainable, and truly beneficial for all.
The Yoruba community crisis should serve as a reminder that the rule of law must remain the foundation of all government actions. When committees are set up, they must honor their mandate and operate without fear or favor.
Any deviation risks unraveling the social fabric of the community and diminishing the integrity of the institutions involved. Let Kano State reaffirm its dedication to justice and uphold the values that are the hallmark of true governance.
