Eulogies for Umaru Shinkafi

Ahmad Raji

Baba Marafa was a unique person. His uniqueness started from his birth; which was noble, his life; which was distinguished on to his passage; which was full of honour. He was in the class of revered Kings and leaders. The final resting place of his mortal body is hubarre, where Usman Dan Fodio and his successors were laid to rest.

It is against the background of his unique nature that the various tributes from both the north and the south of Nigeria have come; not surprisingly. Following are some of the tributes:

“…an expert, whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria would remain indelible.
“I call on the family members, friends and associates of the departed community leader who held the Marafan Sokoto traditional title to take solace in the fact that the late Umaru Shinkafi played the parts assigned to him diligently, conscientiously and patriotically. I pray Almighty Allah to grant Shinkafi’s soul eternal rest. I enjoined Nigerians to emulate the good virtues that he left behind” – President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

“As a politician, it is, indeed, noteworthy that he was constant on Nigeria’s political scene for the better part of the past two decades… Late Shinkafi was indeed an avid chronicler of our evolution as a people and a nation. This eminent Nigerian has left us at a crucial stage in our nation’s history and he will be sorely missed.” – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR

“Umaru Shinkafi was a dependable public servant and high achiever who was driven by an inherent belief in the unity and peaceful coexistence of our people. It is this belief that underscored his selfless commitment to sensitive national assignments where he gave his best shot to the task of improving the security profile architecture of the nation” – Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

“…a remarkably decent and disciplined politician who would be greatly missed by Nigerians.
“Shinkafi was one of the most intelligent, visceral and deeply informed and principled Politicians. The late Shinkafi was so independent-minded that he and his political associates were denied registration by the General Sani Abacha military government. He was never timid to express his opinion on national issues.

“Shinkafi would be greatly remembered as one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of Nigerian politics for his total commitment to democracy and the rule of law. The deceased always inspired respect not only for being a repository of knowledge, but also for being a consummate public servant and one of the best of his generation.” – Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON

“The Marafan Sokoto was a consummate politician who had large followership across the country. He was a bridge builder. He was revered by his supporters and opponents; a man who will always say the truth at every point. He helped in mentoring many political office holders now occupying top positions in government at various levels. He was also a man who embodied the tradition of his people and that is why he held the important title of Marafa in the Sultan’s council” – Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Shinkafi was a true democrat who contributed immensely towards the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. In all his years in the public service, Shinkafi distinguished himself as a patriot, committed and dedicated Nigerian.”

“He served the nation with distinction as a lawyer, police officer, federal commissioner of internal affairs and intelligence chief in the National Security Organization before joining politics.” “The late Shinkafi was a bridge-bulder, cosmopolitan and lived exemplary life worthy of emulation.” – Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

“Marafa’s death has closed a chapter in the life of one of Nigeria’s most valuable public officers, who made his mark in both the public and private sectors. He was a truly passionate Nigerian whose invaluable contributions to issues of national interest will be greatly missed.” – Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal.

“He was a detribalized Nigerian who was passionate about the unity and progress of Nigeria. He was a man of great integrity and stable character as I have come to know him over decades. Shinkafi served as a foremost security expert helping Nigeria to establish an intelligence and security structure that serves the country up till today. His death is a great national loss. He was a leading northern leader and mobilizer and he built a network of friends across ethnic and religious divides. Soft-spoken but deeply knowledgeable and considerate, he was one not to let up on his conviction that the political elite must team up for the task on nation building. He will be sorely missed.” – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

“He had been my very good and dependable friend since he was Oyo State Commissioner of police… He very much desired that south-west and north-west political collaboration was essential for the stability of Nigeria. He demonstrated that passion most sincerely during the founding of APP in 1998. It is sad that he has been on one sick bed or another since the south-west and the north collaboration resulted into power with Buhari’scivilian federal government. Marafa is not immediately replaceable among the Nigerian patriots and his death is a shattering blow to the efforts towards unity and peace in Nigeria.” – Chief Bisi Akande

“Umar Shinkafi was one of the finest Nigerians in recent time. He was highly principled, believed in the rule of law, had love for all and was dedicated to accomplishing any assigned clarion call with the fear of Allah.” – Senator AliyuMagatakarda Wamakko

“Shinkafi fought well for the survival of democracy during the military era and his leadership qualities would be greatly missed.” – Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa

“The demise of Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi is a huge loss to the nation considering his contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria. Having served in different capacities, especially in the public sector, he died at a time his counsel on national issues was most needed. Alhaji Shinkafi was a detribalized Nigerian and he built friendships and relationships beyond the boundaries of the north. The demise of MarafanSokoto has created a big vacuum in political circles.” – Orji Uzor Kalu

“Personally, I have lost a close, dear brother, and Nigeria has lost a consummate security expert, excellent administrator, a bridge builder across all tribes and one of the Presidents Nigeria never had.” – Chief Alani Bankole

“In addition to his several roles in public administration and as a politician, the THISDAY Newspaper Group would not forget the role he played as a friend of the house, his mentorship and wise counsel when the newspaper was at its infancy in 1995. His guidance and mentorship were invaluable and helped the THISDAY to remain on course in the face of daunting challenges.” – Editorial Board of ThisDay Newspapers.

His footprints are in many areas; most outstanding of which are in the areas of Security, Traditional Institutions, Politics and Law. As the Director General of the Nigerian Security Organization (NSO) in the 2nd Republic, it was a golden era in terms of intelligence gathering. So efficient was the outfit under him, that nothing happened without the government of the day having a prior knowledge. Not even the 1984 coup did not come as a surprise to the government.

Baba was a deeply religious person who constantly had in mind the hereafter. It has been confirmed that he encouraged a lot of people to be good Muslims. In this regard, he sponsored many to perform the holy pilgrimage to mecca which is a major pillar of Islam. But most importantly, he lived the life of a true Muslim; he would never joke with his five daily prayers at the right time and in congregation. No matter what he was engaged in, once it was time for prayers, he would get up and join the congregation. Iwitnessed this several times in the past three decades. It was reported that he built a number of mosques, including the one in Ikoyi prison.

On my way to Saudi Arabia for Umra in June this year, I called on him in London. He was still recuperating. Before I left him, he asked me to find out if the hotel I was going to stay in Medina had facilities for the physically challenged as he could not walk. I then asked him if he would like to perform the Umra and he answered in the affirmative. We spoke a few times from Saudi Arabia, his eagerness to come and worship his God was clearly uppermost in his mind. On one of my visits to him in hospital in The United Kingdom, I asked him if he could still remember Ayyat Qursy in the Quran and he said yes. He brought out his hands and I saw his rosary clutched between his fingers in spite of all the gadgets on his body.

May Allah admit him into AljannaFirdausi. (Amen)
He had so much regard for the Traditional Institution and this confirmed the excellent judgment of late Sultan Abubkar Saddiq, (The father of the current Sultan) in conferring on him the prestigious title of Marafan Sokoto. This cycle of honour was completed by the current Sultan, who graciously and most uniquely honoured his body to be buried at Hubarre in Sokoto.

More than a decade ago, Baba Marafa asked me whether the Alaafin of Oyo knows me and I replied by saying that the Iku Baba Yeye knows my uncle. Baba retorted by saying that he was not talking about my uncle. He asked, “Does the Kabiesi know you in person?” I said no. He then counseled me to find my way to the palace. I did and I will forever thank him for the advice. This paid off very well as Kabiesi even honoured me with his royal presence at my call to the inner bar in September, 2012. Baba Marafa was so happy that the Alaafin came to the event. It is on record that the Alaafin has never honoured any Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in that way. The credit goes to Baba Marafa.

A lot has been written about his politics. He was a compass and a great encyclopedia of Nigerian affairs. He taught us about Nigeria; her history and heritage. Though a Yoruba man, my great appreciation of Baba Obasanjo was from my knowledge of him through Baba Marafa. Baba Marafa had great respect for Baba Obasanjo. When Baba Obasanjo sought to visit him as part of his consultations towards the 1999 elections, Baba Marafa offered to go to Baba Obasanjo in Ota, out of abundant respect for the great Ebora Owu who often called Baba Marafa by his first name, “Umoru”. The meeting later held at Sheraton hotel in Ikeja. The rest of this is for a future date.

He was not sectional in his politics and his office at Ribadu Road, Ikoyi was a meeting point for all Nigerians from all the corners of Nigeria. You would see such great Nigerians as Etim James, Pere Ajuwa, Victor Odili, Hyde Onuaguluchi, Zachariah Idris, Kura Mohammed, Adamu Augie, Kaloma Ali, Hamed Kusamotu, Arisekola Alao, Bola Afonja, Alani Bankole and many others.

His like in this respect is his great friend, the late’ General SheuMusa Yar’adua. His campaign outfit; ‘Choice 92’ was a great platform which resonated in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. As a true believer, which he was all through his life, he accepted with equanimity the decision of the then military government to ban him and 22 other aspirants of the SDP and the NRC from the transition politics of that time. He forged ahead with an abiding faith in The Almighty . The rest is history.

He never appeared in court as a Barrister, even though he was a great Solicitor, whose advice and opinions you could hardly fault. He was a good listener. Whenever he injected your ideas with real life experiences, delivered with excellent choice of words, you could not but bow to thank him. His grammar and use of words are unique and we constantly learn from him till today.

Baba Marafa was a mentor, role model, father, friend, instructor, benefactor and indeed a recurring decimal in the lives of those of us who knew him.

Our special condolences go to his Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, the wives and children, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and all the relations of the great Marafan Sokoto. May The Almighty Allah reward him with AljannaFirdausi. (Amen)
-Ahmed Raji is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.