Honoring the Legacy of Marafan Sokoto

One of the greatest leaders in Nigeria was Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi (OFR), the Marafan Sokoto.

He was a respected lawyer and a keen police officer. In 1979, during President Shehu Shagari's time, he became the head of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO). This was Nigeria's top intelligence agency.

He started Nigeria’s three key intelligence agencies. These are the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). They were set up based on the recommendations from a committee he led during General Ibrahim Babangida's rule.

He also ran for president in 1992 under the National Republican Convention (NRC). He narrowly lost the nomination to Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, who was a former finance, agriculture, and industry minister under President Shagari.

I had the honor of being close to Marafan. I was more like a son to him than just a political mentee.

He brought me into politics in 1990. My late father, Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode, who was the deputy premier of the old Western Region and a former minister, handed me over to him when the Babangida regime lifted the ban on politics.

Marafan, along with his right-hand man, the late Dr Hameed Kusamotu, and General Halilu Akilu, guided me during those years. In 1992, I became Marafan’s special assistant during his presidential campaign and the official spokesman for Choice '92, his campaign group.

That was the greatest honor of my life.

Sadly, Marafan passed away ten years ago in 2016. His title, which is highly respected in the Caliphate, stayed vacant for many years.

I was happy that in 2024, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, gave the title to my friend Senator Abdul Aziz Yari. Senator Yari is the former governor of Zamfara State. He was very close to the late Marafan and is married to his daughter.

I cannot think of anyone more deserving of that title than Senator Yari. My prayer is that God will guide him and help him build on the great legacy of his predecessor.

Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi showed strong leadership and worked hard to connect the North and the South-West of Nigeria.

He knew that this connection was key to our national unity. He built that bond, which remains strong today.

For this reason and many others, he was loved by all. I believe Senator Abdul Aziz Yari will continue this great work and achieve success.

As Sadaukin Shinkafi, a title given to me in 2020 by the Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Mohammed Makwase, I wish our new Marafan all the best. He can always count on my friendship and support.

What we have is not just a political relationship anymore. It is now about family and legacy within the traditional institution of the Caliphate.

I wish you the best, my brother. Every time you speak, it reminds me of our father, the late Marafan, whom we both loved.

I wish you success in this great calling and in all your future endeavors.

God bless you, the people of Zamfara State, and our beloved Nigeria.

Shalom.