The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has conferred the Obapero of Ife-Odua traditional title on Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle.
A statement on Friday by the governor’s media aide Zailani Bappa said the title which literally means ‘the peacemaker’ will be formally conferred on the governor in the next few weeks.
According to the statement, the Ooni announced the award when he paid the governor a visit at his 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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Matawalle thanked the monarch for the gesture, promising to be in Ife soon to be formally decorated.
“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,” the statement read.
