National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale on Saturday led a powerful delegation from Kenya to Jubaland where they witnessed swearing-in of Sheikh Ahmed Madobe.
Duale's visit could yet again escalate tensions between Kenya and Somalia given that the aircraft he was travelling in violated flight ban imposed by President Mohammed Farmaajo's administration.
The plane was supposed to flight to Mogadishu for clearance but instead, it flew directly to Kismayo Airport. He was received by Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe.
Among those in Duale's delegation were Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan and Garissa Governor Ali Korane. The inauguration took place under tight security.
Madobe has been at loggerheads with Farmaajo, with the federal government accusing Kenya of forcefully imposing him on the people of Jubaland.
During the event, Madobe however, extended an olive branch to Farmaajo's administration, adding that he was ready to dialogue for peace and prosperity.
"Jubaland will remain committed to dialogue with the Federal Govt to bring an end to the standoff and move forward," said Sheikh Madobe.
The function also reunited former federal government leaders Sheikh Hassan and Shariff Sheikh Ahmed who threw their weight behind Madobe.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni commended Madobe for breaching federal government's directive imposed on flights to Kismayo Airport.
The inauguration could yet again ignite Kenya's diplomatic row with Somalia. Last week, Ambassador Lucas Tumbo was summoned after the aircraft landed in Kismayo against the directive.
Currently, Somalia and Kenya are also battling for the control of Indian Ocean maritime border, with International Court of Justice handling the case.
While President Farmaajo insists that Somalia will abide by the ICJ ruling, President Uhuru Kenyatta called for dialogue during the United Nations General Assembly last month.