40 INFLUENTIAL EMIRS FROM NORTHERN NIGERIA
ALHAJI (DR.) ADO BAYERO (EMIR OF KANO)
Alhaji Bayero became the Emir of Kano in 1963; it is imperative to mention that he was an ambassador to Senegal. He is the son of the late Abdullahi Bayero dan Muhammad Abbas, who was also an Emir of Kano. Aside his influence in Nigeria, the Emir is also known for his abundant wealth. He is the longest-serving emir in the emirate of Kano’s history. During his tenure, he has seen the Kano Emirate transform from a native authority to community leadership. In the education sector, he is also highly valued as he’s been Chancellor of Universities at different times.
ALHAJI (DR.) IBRAHIM SULU – GAMBARI (EMIR OF ILORIN)
A respected jurist, Alhaj Ibrahim K. Sulu-Ibrahim, who retired as a judge from the court of Appeal, became emir of Ilorin (in Kwara State) in the 90s. He is one of the eminent jurists produced by the Law School in the 60s. He is the Chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers. Alhaj Sulu-Gambari is the Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).
ALHAJ (DR.) SHEHU IDRIS(EMIR OF ZAZZAU)
Born in Zaria, Nigeria, Alhaj Shehu Idris, the Emir of Zazzau, is a graduate of Public Administration from Nigerian and Australian institutions. He is the Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukak. Positions currently held by him include Grand patron, fellow and Chairman of several reputable organizations. Dr. Idris has been conferred with several national and international awards including doctorate degrees from Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
DR. LAMIDO BARKINDO (LAMIDO ADAMAWA)
On March 18th, 2010, Lamido Dr. Muhammed Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa stepped into the big shoes left by his late father Lamido Dr. Aliyu Musdafa as Lamido Adamawa, an over 200 years old Emirate. Dr. Lamido Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa is a traditional ruler with difference as he has over the years continued to champion good causes for his people.
ALHAJI A. KABIR USMAN (EMIR OF KATSINA)
His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman is the Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University. Before he became Emir of Katsina, he was Magajin Garin Katsina.
ALHAJI (DR.) MUHAMMAD YUMUSA II(EMIR OF KEFFI)
This highly revered monarch is the Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State. Keffi is located just around Aduja, Nasarawa. The emirate was founded about 1800 by Abdu Zanga (Abdullahi), a Fulani warrior from the north.
ALHAJI ISA AGWAI I(EMIR OF LAFIA)
As Emir of Lafia (in Nasarawa State), Dr. Isa Mustapha Agwai clocked 38 years on the throne in May 2012. Lafia became the capital of a prominent local chiefdom in the early 19th century. The emirate formed the major part of the Lafia Division of Benue province.
ALHAJI HASSAN AHMED II(EMIR OF NASARAWA)
On May 22nd 2004, Alhaji Ahmed was installed the 11th Emir of Nasarawa. His reign presents itself as an epic and significant chapter in the long and interesting history of the Makama Dogo dynasty. From very small beginning, this emirate has grown to be one of the strongest in Nasarawa State.
ALHAJI (DR.) SAYYYADI MAHMOUD (EMIR OF RINGIM)
The Ringim Emirate Council (in Jigawa State) was created in November 1991, with Alhji Dr. Sayyyadi Abubakar Mahmond (CON) as the first. He was born to Mahmoud Usma Wasbam Kano district head of Ringim. Before he became Emir, he was district head of Ringim till 1991 when he was appointed. He was honoured with Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Laws) by the Delta State University Abraka (where he is Chancellor) in 1994.
ALHAJI (DR.) FAROUK BAHAGO (EMIR OF MINNA)
Alhaji Farouk Bahago is the Emir of Minna (Niger State). He was few months ago appointed Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai (Niger State). Dr. Bahago was sometime back the chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
ALHAJI ADO IBRAHIM (OHINOYI OF EBIRALAND
His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim attended Oduduwa College, IIe-Ife, where he completed his secondary education. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics of the London School of Economics, in 1954. The following year he won a Ford Foundation sponsorship to undertake a 6-month course in marketing and business strategy at the Business School of Harvard University. On the strength of his performance, he was later readmitted into the master’s Programme of the school as a full time student. He thus earned the celebrated Harvard MBA in 1959. As he grows in wealth, he has continued to give financial support to worthy causes. He was appointed Paramount Monarch of Ebira Atta III in 2007, Ohinoyi of Ebira and Vice President Kogi state Council of Chiefs.
DA JACOB GYANG-BUBA (GBONG GWOM JOS)
He is a retired Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs and current chairman of the Plateau State traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba became the paramount ruler of Jos in 2009 having succeeded the late monarch, Da Victor Pam.
ALHAJI SAMAILA MUHAMMAD MERA (EMIR OF ARGUNGU)
Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, the Emir of Argungu was born on 31st January 1961 in Argungu, Kebbi state. A trained civil engineer, he worked in various capacities in the Civil Service and rose to the position of Chief Engineer (Project and Design). He was later appointed Commissioner of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development, a position he held until his installation as the Emir of Argungu in 1996.
ALHAJI RILWANU SULAIMAN ADAMU (EMIR OF BAUCHI)
Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu was born 14th October at Bauchi City. He is a graduate of Building Technology. He worked with Nigeria Ports Authority and Nigeria Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development. In 2010, he became the Emir succeeding his late father Suleiman Adamu Jumba.
ALHAJI YAHAYA ABUBAKAR KUSODU (ETSU NUPE)
Alhaji Abubakar was appointed the 13th Etsu Nupe (Niger State) on 11 September 2003. Born on September 12 at Bida, he comes from the ruling house of Etsu Musa compound. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna in preparation for joining the army. Kusodu’s last military posting was in Cairo, where he was a defense attaché before retiring as a Colonel in July 2003. He is Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
ALHAJI MUHAMMAD IDRISSA (EMIR OF FIKA)
Born 14 August, Alhaji Idrissa was appointed 13th Emir of the Fika Emirate (in Yobe State) on 16 March 2009. He attended Kaduna Capital School, Barewa College, Zaria then North Staffordshire University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Studies. He also attended the City University London, gaining a Master’s degree from the Department of Sociology. He was given the title of Yeriman Fika in 2002, and in 2009 became emir in succession to his father.
ALHAJI ABUBAKAR ISA (EMIR OF MUBI)
The ancient town of Mubi in Adamawa State has been described as a commercial hub in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Alhaji Abubaukar Isa is the Emir of this emirate, which house Adamawa State University and Federal Polytechnic Mubi.
ALHAJI ABBAS TAFIDA (EMIR OF MURI)
Muri is a town and traditional emirate in the northwestern Taraba State; heading this town is Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida
ALHAJI ABUBAKAR ELKANEMI (SHEHU OF BORNO)
He is the Shehu of the Borno Emirate in Northeast Nigeria. Alhaji El-Kanemi has been the Shehu of Borno since March 2009. Born 13th May, he rose in the Civil Service and became Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Finance, Works and Housing and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
ALHAJI ATTAHIRU AHMAD (EMIR OF ANKA)
Alhaji Ahmad is the Emir of Anka in Zamfara state and he is the Chairman of Zamfara State Councill of Chiefs.
ALHAJI ABUBAKAR ADAMU (EMIR OF HADEJIA)
Born 15th October, Alhaji Adamu is the Emir of Hadajia in Jigawa State. He was crowned with the title of Iyan Hadejia and served on the Council of Hadejia Emirate between 1999 -2000. And on 13th September 2002, he was crowned the 16th Fulani Emir of Hadejia and the Chairman Jigawa State Council of Chiefs.
ALHAJI USAMD ABUBAKAR (EMIR OF GOMBE)
He is the 10th Emir of Gombe and Chairman Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs. Born 1938, he is the 5th son to late Emir of Gombe, Mallam Abubahar Umar. He had his secondary education at Barewa College Zaria as far back as 1966. A seasoned Administrator having served as a permanent secretary, he was twice Member of the National University Commission.
ALHAJI FARUK U. FARUK (EMIR OF DAURA)
Alhaji Faruk is the 60th Emir of the Daura Emirate. The Emirate is based on the town of Dauru in Katsina State. He became Emir on 28 February 2007 following the death of Sarkin Muhammadu Bashar dan Umar. In July 2009 the European – American University Commonwealth of Dminica conferred an honourary doctorate award on Faruk for his role in nation building.
ALHAJI MAJ. GEN. (DR.) MAHUMMADU SAMI (EMIR OF ZURU)
Alhaji Sami, a retired Major General in the military is the Emir of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State, this town has the most favourable climate in the state with 5 months of rainfall and 7 months of dry season. The people are hospitable and friendly.
ALHAJI MUHAMMAD BASHAR (EMIR OF GWANDU)
He is the Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs. In 1986, the Gwandu Emirate saw the dire need to share in the vast wealth of experiences of Major General (Dr.) Muhammad IIiyasu Bashar, he was made CIROMAN GWANDU, a position reserved exclusively for the favorite members of the royalty. He was Chairman of the New Nigerian Development Company Limited (NNDC); Deputy Secretary General of the Nigerian Islamic Council for Islamic Affairs from 1988 to 1998.
ALHAJI (DR.) MUHAMMAD DANBABA (EMIR OF GUSAU)
Alh. (Dr.) Muhammad Kabir Danbaba, Emir of Gusau Capital city of Zamfara State was born in 1927. At the age of 47, he became the Magajin Garini in 1974, a position he held at a period of 10 years. He then became District Head of Gausau in 1994, a position he held for a period of 13 years. Because of his efficiency and zeal in his office, he became a first class Emir in 2000.
ALHAJI AHMAD UMAR (EMIR OF KWATARKASSHI)
Aluaji Ahmed Umar, the Emir of Kwatarkasshi in Bungudu Local Government area of Zamfara State has been on the throne for the past 51 years. The 84 years old Emir has over the years maintained harmony in his emirate.Aluaji Ahmed Umar, who is fondly called Mai-Kwatarkasshi; is the 28th ruler of the town, whose stool was founded 600 years ago. He ascended the throne on March 17, 1961
ALHAJI (DR.) HAHUN SABUS (EMIR OF DUTSE)
The Emir of Dutse (in Jigawa State), Aluaji Dr. Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, is credited with the building of one of the biggest golf course in West Africa, a golf course covering expansive land of about 125 hectares with lake surrounding it. He developed interest in golf through his friends – the Emir of Suleja, Kazaure, Brinin Gwarid. He studies accounting and Economic.
ALHAJI MOHAMMED IBRAHAM (EMIR OF SULEJA)
He served as governor of Niger State from October 1979 to December 1983 during the Nigerian Second Republic. The Suleja Emirate is a Hausa emirate established in the early 19th century, formerly called Abuja, in what is now Niger State. Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim became the Emir of SuleJa in 1993.
ALHAJI AHMED SANI II (EMIR OF GUMEL)
He is the longest – reigning emir in Jigawa State. Born in December 1942, he had his first degree at Ohio University, USA, then master’s degree in International Relations at the same University in 1977. Prior to his enthronement as the 16th Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Mohammed Sani had a brilliant working career, which spanned a period of 19 years.
ALHAJI NAJIB ADAMU (EMIR OF KAZAURE)
Coroneted in 1998 as the 10th Emir of Kazaure’s (in Jigawa State) Fulani Dynasty (The Yarimawa), he is the first chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU). A trained lawyer, he attended Rumfa College Kano and the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. In his public service years, he was Deputy Director, legal Services of the petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF).
DR. ALFRED AKAWE TORKU-LA IV (TOR TIV)
He is the paramount ruler of the Tiv people in Benue state. H.R.H. Alfred Akawe Torkula, the 4th Tor Tiv, was coroneted in 1991.
ALHAJI MUHAMMADU KABIR UMAR OF KATAGUM
Katagum Emirate in Bauchi state is the second largest emirate next to Bauchi Emirate in terms of production and size. The present emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Umar was installed in 1980. Before his selection as the Emir, he had held various offices in ministries and was also at different times, the pro-chancellor of universities.
ALHAJI UMAR ALIYU (EMIR OF BIU)
The Biu Emirate is in Borno state, Nigeria. Prior to 1920, it was referred to as the Biu Kingdom. The current ruler is Maidalla Mustafa dan Aliyu who became Mai Biu in 1959. He is a brother to late super permanent secretary Ibrahim Damcida, a prince of Biu.
ALHAJI ABUBAKAR SULEIMAN (EMIR OF BADE)
He was turbaned as the 11th Emir of Bade (Mai Bede) on 12 November 2005. He is head of the traditional State of Bade with headquarters in Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. He attended Borno College of Basic studies (1080 – 1981) and then Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Maiduguri.
AGABAIDU ELIAS IKOYI OBEKPA (OCHI IDOMA OF IDOMA LAND)
Born to Chief (Oche) Obekpa Onoja in Ipole Otukpa, Benue State, he was enthroned king in 1997. He is married to Florence Alamentu Obekpa nee Edache.
ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR (EMIR OF ZURMI)
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the emir of Zurmi in Zamfara state. His father was said to be the first traditional ruler in the whole of Zamfara to buy a car in 1955. Apart owing the first to own a car in the emirate, Alhuji Abubakar’s father was also said to be the first traditional ruler in the Northern Nigeria to build a befitting guest house for the late premier of the Northern region.
ALHAJI (DR.) BELLO BARMO (EMIR OF TALALATA MAFARA)
Alh. (Dr.) Bello Muhammad Barmo was born at Talata Mafara in Zamfara state. He attended many institutions after his primary schools and later graduated from University of Maiduguri. He was appointed as district head of Talata Mafara on April 27 1996, and later turbaned as the first emir of Mafara in 1997.
May those who lost their lives rest in peace.