According to Punch Newspaper, Alhaji Abdulfatai Olayiwola Coker, recognized as the Sarikin Yorubawa (Oba Yoruba) of Sokoto, has been suspended from his position by the local Yoruba community's leadership. The suspension was communicated through a formal letter, which was signed by both the President General and the General Secretary of the Yoruba community in Sokoto State. The decision has reportedly caused considerable unrest and confusion among the Yoruba residents in the area.
In response to the turmoil, Alhaji Coker has issued a public appeal for peace and stability within the community. He stressed the importance of unity and calm, reminding his followers of his constitutional role as the definitive leader of the Yoruba people in Sokoto. Coker expressed his desire to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or lead to further problems among the community members.
The suspended leader's call for calm underscores his commitment to maintaining order and unity among the Yoruba people in Sokoto, despite the current challenges. Coker’s statement aims to stabilize the community's sentiment and navigate through the ongoing leadership crisis with as little disruption as possible.
He said: "I call for calm and understanding among everyone, as the leader of the Yoruba community in the state. It is written boldly in the constitution that the Oba Yoruba in the state is the overall head of the Yoruba people in the state. So, I do not want to see anything that will bring problems to us. So, I call for calm.