…KWARMA boss, ace actor, Samanja, deceased’s son, others lead race
…departed monarch battled diabetes for 10yrs – Source
By Mumini AbdulKareem
Barely a week after the passing of the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Chatta, the battle for who succeeds him has already commenced in earnest, National Pilot gathered, last night.
Chatta, the sixth Etsu of Patigi died at his Abuja residence last Tuesday night while preparation was being made to take him to the National Hospital, Gwagwalada for treatment.
His remains was brought home for the Janaza led by the Chief Imam of Patigi, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi just as his fidau was held Saturday in his palace with dignitaries from within and outside the state in attendance.
Now that the burial rites and fidau for the late Etsu had taken place, this medium learnt last night that no fewer than 18 people have indicated interest to succeed Chatta by submitting their applications.
Though more contestants are likely to emerge later in the week, however, for smooth transition, the kingmakers are likely to prone the list to about “three or more”, a source confided in our reporter last night.
Top among those who are said to be in the race are; the Chairman of the Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA), Engr Usman Baba Jibril, the first son of the past emir, Umar Ibrahim Bologi and his brother, Abubakar Ibrahim.
Also on the list of the contenders are; a veteran actor and lead character of the Samanja fame, Alhaji Usman Baba Pategi and a Permanent Secretary in one of the ministries in Kwara State whose name could not be ascertained before the paper went to bed.
A veteran actor and lead character of the Samanja fame, Alhaji Usman Baba Pategi and a Permanent Secretary in one of the ministries in Kwara State whose name could not be ascertained before the paper went to bed last night where reportedly among interested persons.
Others are the Director of Legal, Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Idris Gana, who is said to be one of the surviving sons of the elder brother of the late emir who Ibrahim succeeded and one ‘Shaaba Emanji’.
Said to also be among the contestants are retired Colonel and Army General from the ruling houses in the town.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, last night, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone did not connect.
Reply to a text message sent was still being awaited before the paper went to bed.
According to a source, “They are so many people that have indicated interest who have submitted application. These include the late emir’s children and those of the former emir.
“Also the KWARMA boss, Legal Director of the Kwara State House of Assembly and veteran lead actor of the Samanja series are in contention.
“Other ruling houses are also said to be interested but it depends on the position of the kingmakers. They are likely to meet soon and reduce the list to three or more for screening at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. But for now, we can’t say precisely, what is likely to happen”, the source added.
Meanwhile, a palace source revealed to our reporter that the departed emir, Alhaji Umar Chatta Ibrahim nursed diabetes for about 10 years.
Though, the monarch had secured a three months visa for his medical treatment in UK before his death, his son and personal physician, Abdullahi Ibrahim had said he complained of general body weakness shortly before he died adding that it is unethical as a doctor to disclose the source of his patient’s death.
But according to the source, “late Chatta Ibrahim nursed diabetes for close to 10 years and the ailment slowed him down in the latter days of his life. It even affected him in the neck at one time but he was treated. It was in an attempt to get a comprehensive medication for him in the UK that he died”.
