Ooni of Ife confers traditional title on Matawalle

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwisi Ojaja II, has conferred the “Obapero of Ife-Odua” traditional title on Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State.

According to statement signed on Friday by Mr Matawalle’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, the title which literally means”the peacemaker” will be formally conferred on the governor in the next few weeks.

The statement added that the Ooni announced the award when he paid a courtesy call on the governor at Abuja residence on Thursday.

“He extolled the good virtues of Governor Matawalle as a de-tribalised leader and politician, pointing out that his good intention was responsible for his success in bringing peace to the troubled state he inherited.

“He said the quality of Matawalle’s leadership is worth emulating by all Governors in Nigeria because he has not only proved to be an abled leader to his people by restoring peace in the state but also a worthy leader to others as he now serves as a bridge builder across the Niger.

“He said the plans of Governor Matawalle to revolutionalise the mining sector in the state is a unique and courageous approach which will turn the fortunes of the country around.”

Responding, Mr Matawalle, according to the statement, expressed his gratitude to the monarch for the title, promising to be in Ife very soon to be formally turbaned.

“He said that with the new arrangement for the development of the mining sector by his administration, Zamfara state will in the next few months be among the richest states in the Federation.

“He promised to continue leading by example and to always put the common man foremost in his heart as he steers the affairs of the state to the end of his tenure,” the statement noted.