Why Sullubawa have no emir since Malam Abdulsalami — Dangaladiman Wazirin Zazzau

Alhaji Shitu Ibrahim Dikko is the Dangaladiman Wazirin Zazzau and District Head of Gabasawa in Kaduna North Local Government Area. As a descendant of the Sullubawa dynasty, one of the ruling Houses of the Zazzau emirate, he speaks with Arewa Trust Weekly on why the dynasty has not produced an emir since 1857.

Give us a brief history of the Sullubawa dynasty of Zazzau?

Sullubuwa dynasty has been in Zazzau before the Jihad of 1804. We have a well-known history and tradition. Our forefather and founder is Malam Mahmud Kilba. He is ahead of Shaikh bn Fodio. He was here in Zaria briefly before he moved to Barnawa, a centre where the people of  Borno used to visit for the trans-Saharan trade. He stayed there for some time before he moved to other places with his pupils (Almajirai).

In 1800 when Shaikh Usman Bn Fodio started the jihad, he invited him (Kilba) to join him but he was about 84 ‎years old at that time so he couldn’t but sent his people to assist. They returned with the flag to Zaria which was the beginning of Fulani rule in Zaria in 1804. Those who were sent to join the jihad were Malam Musa, Malam Yamusa, Malam Abdulkarim and their youngest was Malam Abdulsalam‎. Malam Abdulsalam was the grandson of Malam Mahmud Kilba.

When was the last time the Sullubawa dynasty produced an emir in Zazzau?

The first and only emir we had was late emir of Zazzau Malam Abdulsalam (may his soul continue to rest in peace) who ruled from 1853-1857. History shows that he was a just leader. He gave his best and died during a jihad in Kugwaru, in present Nasarawa State. Alhamdulillah, he’s still remembered for that. My father, Malam Ibrahim Dikko is a direct grandson from both paternal and maternal sides of Sullubawa, his highness late Malam Abdulsalam and his brother Malam Adamu Jamo, were the two sons of Malam Abdulsalam. Muhammadu Ka’i, is also one of the sons of Malam Kilba (may their souls continue to rest in peace). Being one of his great grandsons, I was conferred with the title of Dangaladiman Wazirin Zazzau by His Highness late Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji  Shehu Idris (may his soul rest in peace) in August 2008. I was appointed the district head of Gabasawa in Kaduna North LGA by the current administration of Malam Nasir el-Rufai, in May 2018.

It seems among the four dynasties, the Sullubawa ruled only once and have not produced an emir since 1857, why is this?

There is no reason other than we did not apply for it. This is just the reason.

There are speculations that members of the Sullubawa dynasty have shown more interest in scholarship than becoming emir, is that true?

Yes it’s true that we have been seeking knowledge but still, we need to be given the opportunity to vie for it.

There is another insinuation that Malam Abdulsalami had before his death pronounced that none of his descendants will be emir, how true is this?

That is not true. People are just making noise about what they don’t know‎.

You were one of those who vied for the emir of Zazzau after the death of Emir Shehu Idris, are you satisfied with the process?

Yes. I did, to represent our dynasty, and everything went well. Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli was appointed as the emir and we thank God for that. This is because all the ruling houses participated which is good enough.

Of course I am satisfied with the process. Right before now, the Almighty knew who would be the emir but the kingmakers and the governor himself did what they did to make sure that the right person emerged. We have to accept what God has ordained. There is no need to start complaining because what God has decreed is what was done. We thank God and believe that things will be right Insha Allah.