Sani Ejima: A Traditional Ruler with Transparency
Precisely, this January 2015,I went to see one Alhaji Abubakar Adamu,Ajegunle-based traditional ruler who introduced Chief Sani Yakubu Ejima,the Onu Igala of Lagos State as a renowned traditional ruler with a pedigree to me. He gave me his direct contact where I texted him and immediately replied me for Mindset Media interview. On booking appointment with His Royal Highest (HRH) on a day all the Middle Belt indigenes were preparing for their festival and awards to promote their culture in Lagos State.
Though, I was not dissuaded seeing the gathering of the crème da la crème of Middle Belt indigenes and their traditional rulers. One funny part of my appointment with the Royal Highest was that I never met him in my life but as a fourth estate writer and quickly asked the secretary of the Middle Belt indigenes who accosted me to see Chief Sani Ejima at his royal seat who asked me to wait and having welcomed me with a rousing reception.
Having seen the galaxy of traditional rulers at his palatial palace deliberating on their festival and awards that lasted for several hours with His Royal Highest (HRH), Chief Sani Ejima and also having separate meetings with the Middle Belt Organising Committee in order to see how the programme would be successful, I saw great unity among Middle Belt indigenes in Lagos State. Several cash donations were made to the Middle Belt festival and awards.
While speaking to Mindset Media, he said he was called to lead his people with transparent leadership. It is rare these days to see a traditional ruler of high class talking about integrity when most Nigerian traditional rulers have been bought over by stinking rich Nigerian politicians. Chief Sani Ejima is a man with few words and action who does not take his traditional leadership for granted but how to see that the Middle Belt indigenes are fully recognised in Nigeria and Lagos State.
Having graduated from the University of Lagos where he bagged his diploma at security matters indicated that his traditional leadership could offer creative advice for President Goodluck Jonathan. One thing I observed on that meeting hosted by all the Middle Belt indigenes, Chief Sani Ejima gave room for everybody to speak his or her mind and also acknowledged the presence of God in the meeting. I thought of seeing traditional rites or rituals but he was open-minded while audience were given to Middle Belt students of University of Lagos who came to identify with their own. Though, he is young but full of wisdom that could move Middle Belt forward in all ramifications.
Again, Chief Sani Yakubu Ejima displayed his traditional leadership prowess on the d-day of the Middle Belt festival and awards where dignitaries were invited to grace this colourful event. He is a philanthropist par excellence who knows the nitty-gritty of traditional leadership. His Royal Highest palace remains the best in African continent and Nigeria. One thing that makes me get closer to him, his intellectual integrity displayed at the Mindset Media interview where he advised politicians on good governance and elucidated on transparent democracy.
Some highly blessed Nigerians were bestowed with awards to their credits while Chief Sani Ejima is seen as a role model and mentor to upcoming Middle Belt indigenes in Nigeria. The essence of this event according to His Royal Highest to promote unity and culture among themselves. We cannot afford to be relegated to the footnote.
Finally, Chief Sani Ejima is a man of the crowd who has used his little resources to assist the less privileged ones and with several meritorious awards to his credit. He is one traditional ruler that has distinguished himself from the crowd and ready to offer 21st century leadership to all the Middle Belt indigenes. He carries his fellow Onu Igala leaders along without being selfishly enriched himself. He believes riches belong to God not man and his open door policy has earned him respect among all traditional rulers in Nigeria.
He is the Onu Igala of Lagos State and Ogah-Attah Igala Kingdom, Permanent Chairman Council Onu Igalas, Chiefs of Lagos State,President of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers, Vice-Chairman Arewa Council of Chiefs and Chairman 36 States and Abuja,Onu Igala Forum and Patrons of several organisations in Nigeria. He is happily married and blessed with children.
Godday Odidi Mindset Media Limited/Public Affairs Analyst 08058124798 Lagos