A call for restoration of positions of Alkalin Alkalai, Yari in the Sultanate Council
The Sokoto Caliphate, founded in 1804 by Sheikh Usman bin Fodiyo, stands as a testament to the principles of justice, equity, and good governance. It is a legacy that has shaped the history and culture of Northern Nigeria and continues to inspire millions. However, as we reflect on this rich heritage, it is important to […]
The Sokoto Caliphate, founded in 1804 by Sheikh Usman bin Fodiyo, stands as a testament to the principles of justice, equity, and good governance. It is a legacy that has shaped the history and culture of Northern Nigeria and continues to inspire millions. However, as we reflect on this rich heritage, it is important to address a historical oversight that has persisted in the Sultanate Council: the exclusion of two historically significant roles—the Alkalin Alkalai (Chief Justice) and the Yari/ Sarkin yara (Law Enforcer)
These roles were once central to the administration of the Caliphate. The Alkalin Alkalai ensured the dispensation of justice, while the Yari maintained order and enforced the rule of law. Together, they were pillars of the Caliphate’s success, contributing to its legal system, governance, and stability. Figures like Alkali Sambo and Yari Hussiene (Sarkin yara) played critical roles in shaping the Caliphate, yet their contributions and the roles they held have been marginalised in the modern Sultanate Council.
This exclusion is not just a historical oversight but also a matter of justice and equity. The descendants of these officials, who served the Caliphate with distinction, deserve recognition and representation in the Sultanate Council.
The Sultanate Council is composed of two key groups: the Kingmakers and the Council members. The Kingmakers, who hold titles such as Waziri, Magajin Gari, Magajin Rafi, and Galadima, play a crucial role in the selection of the Sultan. These roles were established during the reign of Sultan Bello (1817) and expanded after the fall of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1903. However, over time, some historically significant roles—particularly the Alkali and Yari—have been excluded from the Council.
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The title of Alkalin Alkalai has remained vacant since the tragic ADC aircraft accident in 2006, while the title of Yari has been unoccupied for over four years. This vacuum not only overlooks the contributions of these families but also deprives the Sultanate Council of the diversity and inclusivity that once defined the Caliphate.
I respectfully urge His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, to recommend to the Sokoto State Government the appointment of the Alkalin Alkalai and Yari as salaried members of the Sultanate Council. This recommendation would not only restore historical accuracy but also ensure that the contributions of these families are duly recognized.
Furthermore, I humbly call for the turbaning of qualified individuals from these families to fill these vacant titles. This would be a significant step toward justice, equity, and historical restoration, ensuring that the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate is preserved for future generations.
The inclusion of these roles is not just about correcting a historical oversight; it is about building a more inclusive and equitable future. It is about honouring the sacrifices of those who came before us and ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten. It is about strengthening the Sultanate Council by ensuring that it reflects the true diversity and richness of the Caliphate’s heritage.
Malami Waziri can be reached via [email protected]