A day at Shehu of Borno’s palace

Daily Trust was at the Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri to explore the rich culture of the Kanuris, and the political, traditional and social organisation of the people. Here we take you through this rich mind blowing lifestyle of the Kanuris. The Shettima Kanuribe, Shettima Mutawalli is one of the king makers and District Head of […]

Daily Trust was at the Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri to explore the rich culture of the Kanuris, and the political, traditional and social organisation of the people. Here we take you through this rich mind blowing lifestyle of the Kanuris.
The Shettima Kanuribe, Shettima Mutawalli is one of the king makers and District Head of Gwange, and some palace aides put us through on the instruction of the Shehu.
The Shehu is the ultimate ruler and symbol of authority in the Kanuri Empire. The monarch was formerly called Mai meaning king, but due to the religious orientation of the empire precisely Islam, they reached an agreement that only Allah is King. Thus the change from Mai to Shehu was designated for the stool of authority. The Shehu is the political head as well as the religious head of the empire. He is usually a strong person well versed in the knowledge of Islam, and highly educated too. Other qualities seen in the Shehu include prowess and exhibition of wisdom and strength, especially in the day to day affairs of the empire. The Shehu must be a warrior who is capable of leading his people to defend or attack external invasion from other kingdoms. The Shehu therefore symbolizes  courage. Riding on horses with his warriors, he is the commander.
Speaking on the Kanem Borno Empire, Shettima Kanuribe, Shettima Mutawalli said the empire has been existing for over 1,200 years without any interruption, meaning that the Kanuri people have remained together under the various Mais and subsequently Shehus as an entity surmounting all forms of attacks and capturing territories,before they moved down to Maiduguri in 1907, settling at the present location of the  palace. Shehu Abubakar Garbai is the grandfather of the present Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Umar Garbai. Palace aides showed our reporters the first structure in which the Shehu resided as far back as 1907 named Bulamari still within the court of the palace, with a Baobab tree and a Tamarind tree at the front, still existing for over a hundred years. The structure is now used as a store where musical instruments of the Shehu’s personal band are kept. Palace aides further explained that the present location of the palace was where the Shehu settled and found rest when they migrated from Ngazargamu, and has remained the seat of authority for the Kanuris for more than a century now.
Shettima Mutawalli explained that from the settlement of the Shehu in Maiduguri to date, six Shehus have reigned and resided in this palace.However the palace has been upgraded and renovated severally ,while preserving the richness of their cultural values over the years.
“We are strict in adhering to our culture; and we would not allow it to be overtaken by events. That is why Borno is respected worldwide for her rich cultural heritage. Events like our durbar are special and draw global attention,” he said.
He listed the Shehus that reigned in this palace namely Shehu Abubakar Garbai who first came to Maiduguri in 1907. Shehu Sanda Kura who took over after the death of the former, his brother. Shehu Sanda Kyarimi reigned after his father Sanda Kura died. Sanda Kyarimi was succeeded by Shehu Umar Garbai ,who was also succeeded by Shehu Mustapha Ibn Sanda Kyarimi who died in 2009, and was succeeded by the present Shehu His Royal Highness Abubakar Umar Garbai.
The magnificent palace  is made up of segmented structures  which house  the Shehu, his family and palace aides, his office complex, and a sit out balcony. There is a well kept compound with peacocks and domesticated antelopes, adding beauty from nature. Not forgetting the three chambers where the Shehu hosts his numerous guests of various class and activities.
The smallest chamber is where the Shehu sits when he wakes up every morning to exchange pleasantries with his household and aides. The palace is always a beehive of activities as hundreds of visitors troop in daily for various reasons ,such as paying homage, courtesy calls, meetings, festivities, making appeal for varying issues, reporting cases for intervention by the royal father ,who is father to all in Borno and many other reasons. Adorned to match the class of his royal highness, a first class status ,the palace is exquisite and tickles the fancy of visitors every moment. The palace is adjacent to the Maiduguri Central Mosque and the Waziri’s (Prime Minister’s) residence on the opposite side of the palace.
A palace attendant, Ba’a Grema Isa while showing us round the court, explained the function of each part. The Kundairam is only open on Fridays when the Shehu goes in and lies down on his bed .He sees people in the palace just as the Shehu’s band entertains him with royal music from the live band for at least 30 minutes before he moves to the dining hall, where all the district heads and title holders are expected to assemble for lunch with the Shehu every Friday.
Shettima Kanuribe pointed out that music is played by the Shehu’s personal band daily by 9pm before the Shehu retires to bed, except when there is death in the palace.
The Shettima Kanuribe revealed that the emirate has cordial relations with external communities ,and it has reached the extent that traditional titles are given to non-indigenes of Borno. He cited some examples to include Shettima Illmuye who plays  an advisory role to the Shehu, particularly on knowledge. The title has been held by the like  of late Chief MKO Abiola and presently the current Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri who will soon be turbaned. Other titles held are Zannah Yerwama and Zannah Zantanma held by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and Atiku Abubakar ,the former Vice President of Nigeria.
These titles are given based on their contributions to the emirate. He explained that the emirate also recognises the traditional rulers of other communities in the state such as the Sarkin Hausawa, the Mai of Yoruba and the Eze Ndigbo in the state. They are carried along in activities during festivals. This alone has created a friendly environment for non-indigenes to live and run their businesses in Borno.
The Kanem Empire has over 300 traditional offices/titles, the Mutawalli stated emphatically however, that only a few are hereditary. The other titles are conferred on individuals based on merit and considerations of contributions to the people of the emirate, he said. Hereditary titles are regarded as first class titles in which only members of the family are given .These titles include Mallum Turab, Ahmed Gonimi, Ibrahim Wadaima, Shettima Kanuribe, Shettima Kulurime, Shettima Kaigama, Yerima, Mala Kambar,Mala Maidu, Zannah Uroma, Dzarma, Kachalla Kamba, Mai Machinama, Galadima and Aji Sudan (non-existent now as there are no descendants of that family).
    Another striking title in the palace is that of the Ya Maira which is usually given to the senior sister of the Shehu or a female from the Shehu’s family. She plays the role of a mother and adviser to the Shehu. This however is recognised but she does not act in such capacity except if the mother of the Shehu is not alive. The present Ya Maira is Nana Bawa.She is the elder sister of the Shehu.
Whoever is appointed as Ya Maira,  is crowned and given a prestigious staff of office that contains 1,000 silver shillings, and the staff of office is used by her as her symbol of authority which she moves everywhere with.
“The traditional office in Borno is unique and well structured. This clear distinction can be spotted in our dressing and culture,” Ba’a Grema one of the palace aides pointed out. “Heavy embroidery work is done on our traditional regalia. This  shows our value for royalty. Our horses are also decorated with pure silver during occasions. These are very expensive but we hold them so dear. Another significant distinction is the manner of turban worn by traditional office holders, which is quite different from that of the Hausa kingdom.
“Our traditional dishes are another peculiar area of uniqueness.Whe have assorted dishes and cuisines locally prepared for daily consumption and those for occasions. The Ndalai, Denderu, Ngaji Karasuwa, Mordom, Sinasir are examples of local Kanuri dishes and servings that are prepared for special occasions such as lunch on Fridays, weddings in the palace or during Ramadan and Eid celebrations. They are always sumptuous.”
Festivals observed by the Kanem Empire include the Eid el Fitr and Kabir which are usually colourful for  after the Eid, a durbar procession is hosted where the Shehu himself and all title holders ride on well decorated horses, while onlookers watch. Installations into traditional offices also showcase the uniqueness of our culture and traditions. There are lots of activities that take place during turbanning ceremonies. Marriages are being celebrated in the palace too when the marriage is consummated by the Imam.The Kazalla’a Askureye fire their guns as a form of salute to the new couple.
There are special days designated for all the title holders in the emirate to come and dine in the palace with the Shehu, Shettima Kanuribe disclosed. These are on the 29th day of Sha’aban before the month of Ramadan in the evening to eat dinner called Bry Yagumsuye ,and usually wait for the sighting of the new moon and announcement of the beginning of Ramadan. On the 10th and 20th days of Ramadan too, the title holders will all come to the palace to break the fast together with the Shehu. The 9th and 10th day of Muharram too, they will all converge at the palace between 8pm to 9pm to also dine with the Shehu. These are very symbolic because the traditional dishes are served, and all the title holders will get to meet with fellow title holders. It strengthens relationship and they  share ideas as they enjoy each other’s company.
Humour is an integral part of the Kanuri Empire, Mutawalli said, “the Fulani  are our legendary playmates. We usually crack jokes with them playfully and this started way back in the days of Usman Dan Fodio who led a campaign to capture Kanem Borno Empire and establish Islamic religion ,but he discovered we were practising the religion long before the jihad. This was however viewed as a political invasion rather than  religious. We always make jest of ourselves when we meet”. For amusement the Shehu has a specialist though not a musician or dancer. The Zannah Uroma plays this special role.