Lafiagi Stool: Ex-Gov Sha’aba, son, younger brother of late Emir, 58 others emerge front runners

By Ahmed Ajikobi
Following the death of the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Saadu Kawu Haliru, last Thursday, the race to the vacant stool has begun, as the eminent indigenes of the ancient city, and buried on Friday especially the princes are now showing interest.
Prominent among the princes indicating their interest according to our source, is a one time Governor of Kwara State, Senator Sha’aba Lafiagi, a prince of note, who sources said had been nursing the ambition of becoming the number one citizen of the ancient city.
Among the aspirants also, according to our source, are the son of the departed Emir, Lookman Haliru; the son of Haliru’s predecessor, Umoru Umoru; the younger brother to the late Emir, Sambo Haliru and about other 58 more including politicians, civil servants and even businessmen.
Our credible source, who decided not to release more names to us, said that they were still in the process of compiling the names and releasing more names may affect the kingmakers work, but promised to forward the rest names when the kingmakers finish their work.
The late monarch, a first class chief, ascended the throne of his forefathers in 1975. He was said to have celebrated his 45th coronation on October 21, 2020.
According to a release, the Ndegi of Lafiagi, Alhaji Ahmed Makama, one of the kingmakers, described the monarch’s death as a great loss to the entire Nupe Land.
The deceased was the first Board Chairman of Radio Kwara.
In his condolence message, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the late Emir as an advocate of peace and unity, adding that his passage was an end of a great era.
“The first class monarch was a phenomenon in royal wisdom, compassion and peaceful. He was an advocate of peace and unity in diversity, and this largely explains the growth recorded under his reign,” AbdulRazaq said.
“The passing away of his royal highness is indeed the end of a great era, having overseen significant growth in the livelihood and cultural rejuvenation of the Emirate over the past 45 years.”
The Fidau for the late Emir will be held on Thursday, where dignitaries across the country are expected to be in attendance.