The Shuwa Arab Community in Lagos State has issued a strong statement reaffirming their unwavering recognition of Alhaji Jibrin Yaya Ibrahim as the authentic and rightful Sultan of the Shuwa Arab people in Lagos and the South West region.
According to the community elders and stakeholders, Alhaji Jibrin Yaya Ibrahim was officially appointed and installed in 2002 by the revered late Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, following the formal recommendation of the Sheu of Borno, the traditional and spiritual authority over the Shuwa Arab people.
The Sultan, widely admired for his humility, wisdom, and service, has since then enjoyed the deep respect, love, and loyalty of the Shuwa Arab population across Lagos State and beyond. His leadership is seen as a symbol of unity, peace, and cultural preservation for the Shuwa community.
However, the community has recently raised an alarm over an individual allegedly parading himself as the leader of the Shuwa Arabs in Lagos. According to reliable sources within the community, this individual is unknown to the authentic leadership structure and has no legitimate claim or endorsement from any recognized traditional or religious authority.
In a statement jointly released by respected elders and youth representatives of the Shuwa Arab community, they warned the general public and government agencies to beware of impersonators seeking to exploit the name and heritage of the Shuwa people for personal gain.
“We are using this medium to categorically state that Alhaji Jibrin Yaya Ibrahim remains the only recognized Sultan and authentic traditional leader of the Shuwa Arab people in Lagos State. Any other claim to the title is not only false but a deliberate act of impersonation,” the statement read.
The community further called on relevant authorities, especially security agencies, to take appropriate steps to curb such impersonation attempts, which could sow confusion and disrupt the peace and cohesion within the ethnic group.
They reaffirmed their loyalty to the traditional institutions of Lagos and Borno, while expressing continued appreciation for the recognition and support given to their Sultan over the years.
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