From battlefield to royalty: Generals turned traditional rulers

The traditional institution is one area that has received the attention of retired Generals and their equivalents in the other paramilitary arms in Nigeria, Weekend Trust can reveal. Checks by our correspondents revealed that not less than six of the prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria are retired Generals. They are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji […]

The traditional institution is one area that has received the attention of retired Generals and their equivalents in the other paramilitary arms in Nigeria, Weekend Trust can reveal.

Checks by our correspondents revealed that not less than six of the prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria are retired Generals. They are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Emir of Gwandu, Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sami; Emir of Lere, Alhaji Garba Mohammed;  the Oba of Lagos, Chief Rilwan Akiolu; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba was a Comptroller-General of Customs, Emir of Lere, Alhaji Garba Muhammad; Etsu Bassange, Abu Ali.

Some of them, our correspondents learnt, were chosen to mount their thrones while in active service, but most of them were selected after retirement.

Some retired generals who have held the position in the past include the late Ponzhi Tarok, General Domkat Bali.

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Interactions with some of their subjects indicate that they have blended very well on the thrones. This, our correspondents observed, is because they belong to royal families and had been looking forward to mounting the throne; hence got themselves prepared year ahead.

In an earlier interview with the Etsu Nupe, the traditional ruler said there was a difference in the way things were done in the military and the palace, explaining that in the military, they issue orders and it is obeyed, but in the palace, things are a little bit slower.

He said, “Actually, I will look at it from a personal point of view, having worked in the army for 30 years, whereby you give people orders to do things and they do it, but here is a different thing – you have to persuade people.”

Prominent among Nigerian Generals now serving their communities as first-class traditional rulers is Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto.

Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, who doubles as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and considered a central figure in the country’s traditional and interfaith institutions. 

He is the president-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), as well as a towering advocate for peace, religious tolerance and national unity.

Before ascending the historic throne of Sokoto in 2006 following the tragic death of his elder brother, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido in a plane crash, Sa’ad Abubakar had built a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army. He is a retired Brigadier-General.

 

Sultan of Sokoto

Sultan Sa’ad joined the Nigerian Army at the age of 19 shortly after completing his studies at the prestigious Barewa College. His enlistment was reportedly influenced by then Chief of Army Staff, General TY Danjuma, who advised the late Sultan Abubakar III to encourage his sons to serve in the military.

According to the Sultan, veteran journalist and cousin, Alhaji Mu’azu Alhaji, Sa’ad Abubakar was accompanied by the late Ambassador Shehu Malami, a former Sarki Sudan of Wurno, and his brother, Buhari Abubakar III (the current Ciroma of Sokoto), to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

“I was also invited for the NDA interview, but I was dropped due to hypertension. Sa’ad and Buhari made it through. The late Sultan Abubakar III had great admiration for the military, and their cousin, General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, now the Emir of Gwandu, had already become an officer,” Mu’azu recalled.

Over the years, Sa’ad held various command and diplomatic roles, including as a military attaché in Pakistan. At the time of his appointment as Sultan, he was on the verge of completing a course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and was reportedly in line for promotion to Brigadier-General.

An earlier article published by Daily Trust in November 2018 authored by Ibrahim Hamza Muhammad revealed a defining moment in Sa’ad’s early military life. When joining the NDA, he was asked to choose between becoming a General in the army or a future Sultan. He chose the military. But 31 years later, the same question was posed—this time, he embraced his royal destiny.

Since ascending the throne, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad has played a pivotal role in shaping interfaith relations and national dialogue in Nigeria. In addition to his leadership of the NSCIA and JNI, he serves as the chairman of the Sokoto Traditional Council and the Northern Council of Chiefs. He also co-chairs the Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which he leads alongside the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The Sultan is also a co-founder of the National Peace Committee and currently serves as the vice president of the World Conference on Peace headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Alhaji Mu’azu credits the Sultan with helping to build stronger bridges between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.

“He has consistently championed unity and understanding, reminding Nigerians that we are not enemies but fellow citizens. His global engagements emphasize the importance of dialogue and peace as a foundation for development,” Mu’azu said.

Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Sultan Sa’ad’s interpersonal qualities have been praised by those close to him. Alhaji Mu’azu, who attended school with him, described him as disciplined and respectful, even as a young prince.

“He does not  display the arrogance often associated with royalty. He relates well with his peers and elders alike, a trait he inherited from his father, Sultan Abubakar III, who was loved by the people,” Mu’azu said.

While many of his older male siblings have passed away, Sultan Sa’ad continues to maintain close ties with extended relatives, including those from Sudan, who share a common lineage with the revered Islamic reformer, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.

In his younger days, Sultan Sa’ad was a lover of horse riding and football, often seen either playing or watching matches. Though his enthusiasm for riding has waned, his commitment to duty remains unwavering.

His late nephew, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, who doubled as the Magajin Gari and senior counsellor in the palace, once described the Sultan as a leader who values precision and efficiency.

“If he assigns a task he expects it to be completed, 100 per cent and quickly. That’s the military training in him. He doesn’t tolerate delays,” Danbaba remarked during a press conference marking the Sultan’s 10th anniversary on the throne.

 

Emir of Gwandu

The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar retired as a Major- General in the Nigeria Army and also served as military administrator in Gongola, now Adamawa State.

The Emir of Gwandu was commissioned in the Nigerian Army the same day as former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 12, 2025. They worked together for several years in cantonments and other army formations in the country.

Abdullahi Yahaya, a member of the Gwandu royal family, said that when Emir Iliyasu Muhammadu Bashar was in the military, he was a disciplined and principled soldier.

“He was never found wanting and was committed to the unity of the country. As the Emir of Gwandu, he carried this character and principle to bear in the ways he administers the affairs of his emirate. He is a lover of Nigeria and well committed to its unity. As emir, he often speaks about the unity and progress of the country at every occasion. He always enjoins Nigerians to pray for their leaders to succeed in directing the affairs of the country.

“Emir Bashar is a lover of Nigeria as a soldier and even as emir. He is always committed to its unity and development. He is also committed to the unity and progress of his emirate and Kebbi State in general. That’s why, at every Jumat sermon he always preaches peace, unity and progress of Kebbi and Nigeria in general,” he said.

 At the palace of the Emir of Gwandu, Malam Umar Abdullahi told our correspondent that since Emir Bashar’s reign, he has recorded many remarkable achievements in the emirate.

He said, “Emir Bashar has created new districts and recommended the appointment of district, village and several ward heads. He also formed a committee to resolve land disputes in his emirate. He sanitised fishing in riverine areas under the emirate and made it mandatory for all district heads, chief imams of Jumat mosques and traditional titleholders to converge every Friday on the Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio palace in Birnin Kebbi to pray for the state and the country in general.”

He said that part of the emir’s achievements includes the creation of a committee to resolve farmer/herders’ crisis in the emirate. He also created a committee to oversee the enrolment of girl-children in primary and secondary schools in his domain. 

“He often encourages and advises parents on the need to allow their children – male and female – to go to school. The committee is said to be working with the state Ministry of Education on girl-child education. He also created a committee to see to marital conflicts and unnecessary demands being made in marriages, contrary to the Islamic injunction.

nsures that the annual cultural festivities of the emirate hold, such as the Fulani Hutungo Cultural Festival and the Gwandu Emirate horseracing and agricultural show.

“He also created the annual lecture that spotlights the teachings and books written by Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and Sheikh Abdullahi Gwandu by inviting various Islamic scholars from various institutions.

“Emir Bashar always advises parents to have the fear of God and take responsibility for their wards and enroll them in schools. He also advises his subjects to go back to farm, and as well be honest in their dealings because one day they will all die and give account of their actions,” he said.

Speaking to Weekend Trust, Timothy Nwosisi, an electronics trader at Bello Way in Birnin Kebbi, said that since Alhaji Bashar became the Emir of Gwandu, his reign has been peaceful.

“The emir is a man of peace; he always enjoins Muslims and non-Muslims to live in peace. He is a detribalised personality. Since I came to Birnin Kebbi I have never heard of any major crisis between indigenes and non-indigenes.

“I learnt that he was top-ranking military officer. This may have contributed to the peace we are enjoying here. May God give him good health and wisdom to continue to foster the unity that will transform into economic prosperity for us in his domain,” Nwosisi said.

Alhaji Sani Bagudo, who said he had been residing in Birnin Kebbi since it was a local government under the old Sokoto State, said the reign of Emir Bashar had brought progress to Birnin Kebbi and other towns under Gwandu Emirate.

“The Emir of Gwandu is a good man and father to all. His good gestures and the fact that he is always preaching peace are what have kept Kebbi going,” he said.  

Similarly, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Olawale, a leader of the Yoruba community in Kebbi, said Emir Bashar had been the unifying factor between indigenes and non- indigenes in Gwandu Emirate over the years.

He said, “The emir has severally demonstrated his fatherly role to all. His attitude to non-indigenes has always given us the confidence to live like indigenes in Birnin-Kebbi. He is an emir who never compromises in the face of justice. He fears Allah and has always advised his subjects to act responsibly for the good of the community,” he said.

 

Emir of Zuru

The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II served as a military administrator in Bauchi and old Sokoto State.

A member of the Zuru Emirate royal family, Shehu Dabai said, “The emir was one of the notable Generals in Nigerian Army from Zuru Emirate. He served the country well in different capacity before he became the Emir of Zuru. This has reflected in the way he directs the affairs of his domain today. He is an emir who loves his people and the development of Kebbi State and Nigeria. He has contributed to the development of the five chiefdoms in Zuru Emirate by appointing district heads to direct their affairs,” he said.

Abbas Usman Dabai, a chieftaincy titleholder in Zuru Emirate, said the emir was responsible for some measures taken to ensure the safety of subjects from banditry attacks in parts of his domain by constituting local vigilantes to check the incursion of bandits from the borders of Zamfara and Niger states into Kebbi. He is also responsible for some of the road projects embarked on by the state government in Zuru Emirate, such as the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai road and the Zuru township road projects.

“He is the custodian of our culture. Since he became the emir he has sustained the annual Uhola Agricultural Festival. You can see how people from home and abroad gather in Zuru every year to witness the Uhola festival.

“The emir sits in his court every day to settle disputes and issues directives to district, village and ward heads through his councilors,” he said. 

Another indigene, Saratu Garba of Zuru Emirate, who extolled the leadership qualities of the emir, attributed the peace and progress recorded in the emirate to his military background. She said the leadership qualities of the Emir of Zuru stood him out as a peace-loving traditional ruler, which indigenes believe is responsible for the development of the emirate.

“I know the emir very well. I am from Zuru Emirate. He has brought stability, peace and progress to his domain. If you go to Zuru today you cannot differentiate between indigenes and non-Indigenes. Everyone in Zuru is made to feel at home. The emirate has enjoyed peace and progress because of the personality of its emir. I think it is because of his background as a retired army officer, which he has brought to bear in the way he oversees the affairs of his emirate,” Saratu said.

 

Etsu Nupe

Brigadier-General Yahaya Abubakar (retd), CFR, became the 13th Etsu Nupe on September 11, 2003, succeeding his uncle, the late Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako.

His subjects and some titleholders told Weekend Trust that Alhaji Abubakar from the Usman Zaki royal dynasty was appointed the 13th emir through his late father, the Nakordi Nupe, an appointment that shocked many people in 2003.

He recently launched the Etsu Yahaya Foundation and celebrated his 21st anniversary on the throne and a 72nd birthday.

Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar is the chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as the coordinating chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

Until his appointment as the 13th Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar was the Kusodu Nupe.

His last military posting was to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja as Director of Foreign Operations before retiring as a Brigadier-General in September 2003. 

Many of his subjects spoke well of him, describing him as a generous traditional ruler.

Alhaji Mohammed Baba Bussu, the Jikkadan Labarin Nupe, said the Etsu Nupe was using his military experience and resources in curtailing security challenges in his kingdom.

He said the traditional ruler was loved by people even during his military days because of his open-mindedness and generosity.

“When bandits wanted to infiltrate Bida Emirate, around the Danbaba axis in Lavun Local Government Area, Etsu Nupe ensured that they were dislodged. He invited vigilantes, other security agencies and supported them morally and financially.

“I knew Etsu Nupe when he was a military officer. He was a fine military officer. He was a gentleman to the core, very pious, humble and amiable. Even when he was in the military, he was different from other officers. In those days, people feared military men; and some people would tell you that you could not go near a military man, but Etsu Nupe as a military officer was approachable and could be easily related with. 

“Also, even when he was a military officer, he always did everything humanly possible to ensure that Bida Emirate continued to develop and is peaceful. And as God would want it, when the late 12th Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako died, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar was appointed. Honestly, the people of Bida and its environs received him with joy because they saw him as someone approachable, even as a military officer. And he is always ready to assist his people. 

“Each time he came back to Bida as a military officer, he would sit at a popular Esso Bida, near Agip filling station, where people would go to greet him and make financial requests or lay complaints. And he always assisted them. Even during his military career, he was always there for Nupe junior officers and soldiers. 

“Now as Etsu Nupe, his priority is the development of Nupe kingdom. When he came on board, he revived the Bida Emirate Education Development Foundation. He also inaugurated a committee headed by Professor Jonathan Ndagi to see that the revenues and contributions from people in Bida Emirate are used to develop secondary and primary schools in his emirate – provision of chairs and renovations because the state government alone cannot do it. 

“The Etsu Nupe also brought his military experience and knowledge to bear in ensuring that security of lives and property in Bida Emirate is guaranteed. He is a wonderful man in the area of the security of his people. He hears any breach of security, stands and remains steadfast in ensuring that the situation is brought under control so that his people would sleep peacefully.

“One good thing he is doing is the support he gives security agencies in his emirate. In fact, he carries both retired and serving security officers in his emirate along in addressing security concerns. He gives both moral and financial assistance to ensure that his emirate is safe and peaceful,” Bussu said.

Also, Baba Alhaji Othman, the ‘Dan Gatan Hausawan Nupe, said there was a difference in the lifestyle of Etsu Nupe as a military officer and now a traditional ruler.

“His humility, generosity and kindness to people were what earned him the Etsu Nupe title. His father and grandfather were never emirs but he was picked to be the 13th Etsu Nupe because of his behaviour.

“He established a school for the less privileged and orphans, where they attend free from charges. Secondly, to improve access to education, he spearheaded the establishment of the Edu Soko University, Bida, the first private university in Niger State. One important achievement of his is the promotion of ethno-religious harmony and unity, where people, regardless of tribe and religion, see themselves as one,” he said.

Also earning him credit is his non-challant attitude to indiscipline and societal degeneration. He established the Bida Emirate Disciplinary Committee to deal with any form of indiscipline, including theft.

Mohammed Abdulkadir, a resident in Bida said the disciplinary committee had drastically reduced social vices in Bida town and the entire emirate made up of six local government areas – Bida, Gbako, Katcha, Lavun, Edati and Mokwa.

Mohammad Chiroma described Etsu Nupe as a notable traditional ruler who aspires to build a new Nigeria imbued with unity, peace and brotherhood, where no citizen suffers from oppression and discrimination. He noted that thousands of widows and less privileged women benefit annually from his cash donations, while improving the socioeconomic lives of his subjects and many others.

The Etsu Nupe is known by his people as a learned traditional ruler. His educational career started in 1957 at Bida East Primary School and Sabon Gida Primary School. He also attended Government College, Sokoto and Kano Community Commercial College for his secondary education.

In June 1973 Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar was enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna for the officer cadet training with 14th Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as Second Lieutenant on December 13, 1975.

He was posted to the Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army after the commissioning. He also attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria.

He served as General Staff Officer, Grade 3 training headquarters, 21 Armoured Brigade,  ADC to General Officer Commanding 4 Infantry Division​, Senior Instructor, Tactics, Armoured Corps Centre and School.

Outside the military career, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar was appointed chairman, National Mosque Management Committee; chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; chairman, Coordinating Committee, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria; chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and  chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. ​

He has also received many laurels, including, Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), ​Defence Service Star (DSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS),  Forces Service Star (FSS), ECOMOG Service Medal, among others.

 

Oba of Lagos

In a remarkable tale of leadership, service and tradition, Rilwan Akiolu’s life journey took an extraordinary turn when he traded his police badge for the revered crown of the Oba of Lagos.

This unlikely transition not only transformed his life but also redefined the face of traditional leadership in Lagos State. Born into a royal family, Akiolu’s early life was marked by a strong sense of duty and service.

He began his career in the Nigeria Police Force in 1969 as an inspector and was commissioned as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1970.

He later rose through the ranks with distinction. His dedication and exceptional leadership skills earned him the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), one of the highest ranks in the Force.

However, fate had other plans for Akiolu. In 2003, the throne of the Oba of Lagos became vacant, and after a rigorous selection process, he was chosen as the 21st monarch. This marked a significant turning point in his life as he transitioned from a life of service in the Nigeria Police Force to become the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos.

As Oba, Akiolu brought a unique perspective to the throne, blending traditional values with modern leadership principles. His experience in the police proved invaluable in maintaining law and order, while his deep understanding of Lagos’ history and culture enabled him to promote the city’s heritage and development.

Under his leadership, the Lagos monarch has played a pivotal role in fostering unity among the various communities in the state, promoting cultural exchange programmes and supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and development.

Akiolu’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of leadership, adaptability and service. From badge to crown, his transformation has not only inspired generations but also redefined the role of traditional leaders in modern Nigeria.

Today, Oba Rilwan Akiolu remains a highly respected figure in Lagos State, celebrated for his wisdom, vision and dedication to the welfare of his people. His extraordinary life journey continues to inspire, reminding us that true leadership knows no bounds, and that service to humanity can take many forms.

Oba Rilwan Akiolu had a distinguished 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force.

He was enlisted in 1969 as an inspector and retired in 2002.

 He served in the Southeastern State (now Cross River) police command. He rose to become the pioneer squadron commander, Police Mobile Force 23, Force Headquarters annex, Obalende, Lagos.

He was later posted as the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Personnel and Welfare, later as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Commissioner of Police, Inspection Unit and Criminal Investigation Bureau and was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 1999, serving in various zones, including Zone 8 (Lokoja) and Zone 7 (Abuja)

He also served are commandant, Police College, Ikeja, Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State command

After retiring as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Akiolu went on to become the 21st Oba of Lagos, crowned on August 9, 2003. He has been serving in this position since May 2003.

 

Gbong Gwom

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CON, OFR, is the paramount traditional ruler of Berom kingdom and the chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs.

In April 1, 2009, he was sworn in as the Gbong Gwom Jos after the demise of Da Victor Dung Pam.

Prior to his ascension of the Jos throne, Da Jacob Gyang Buba served as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service from 2004 to 2008, making him one of the retired paramilitary officers who ascended a traditional stool of his nation.

Some of his subjects have described him as one who has brought his wealth of uniform service experience to bear in running his stool.

For Dr Gushi Emmanuel, a resident of Lamingo area in Jos and an indigene of Mangu, the paramount ruler has contributed significantly in fostering unity among the people.

“His Royal highness, Dr Gyang Timothy Buba is the head of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, Plateau State. So far, he has contributed significantly in fostering unity among Berom people, which translated to the relatively stable peace experienced in the region before the recent events. 

“With the spread of insecurity to the central zones of Bokkos and Mangu, as well as southern zone of Wase, his role as the head of the Traditional Council will help not only in uniting traditional chiefs but also have a ripple effect in uniting indigenous communities, blending them with settlers so as to achieve synergy towards peaceful co-existence, resolution of any form of misunderstanding, as well as forming a stronger cohesive force that can withstand any invader.

“His paramilitary background is also of significant benefit because it makes it easier to access security personnel, thus helping to organise meetings and forums where the root causes of every unrest can be unraveled, solutions proffered and communities empowered with the requisite skills for joint security surveillance,” he said.

Another resident of Jos from Bukuru, Pam Daniel, said the good thing about Gyang Buba is that he is committed to his Christian faith as a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, a virtue that has been guiding him in leading his people on the right religious path.

He said his readiness to work with any government in power to advance development was impressive, adding that his paramilitary experience has instilled good human relations in him.

 

Etsu Bassa-Nge kingdom

The present Etsu of Bassa-Nge kingdom   Abu Ali hails from kpata settlement in the Kingdom is a retired Nigerian Army officer who retired as aBrigadier General) Abu Ali Mopah III.

His stint in the Nigerian Army is said to have  gifted him with the .his subjects.

As a born leader by providence, He was a military administrator of Bauchi State from 1990-1992 under  the military regime of Major General Ibrahim Babangida, a period, he was said to have distinguished himself as an outstanding leader .

Several people said that as a military administrator, he  brought his gallantry  to bear when he tactically curtailed the spread of  1991   Muslim/ Christian riots in Tafawa Balewa while as a military administrator in the state.

“His wisdom and courage , reinforced by his military discipline stopped  the spread of bloody  Muslims/ christians clash in Bauchi to other northern region. We feeling that impact in our kingdom”, said kinsman, and rtd Sgt Yakubu Ibrahim who  says he in the region during the crisis .With his acclaimed  gallantry  in the Nigeria  Civil War and meritorious service in the military service , Etsu Bassa Nge retired from the Nigerian Army in 1999 at the rank of Brigadier General and mounted the stool of his fore fathers  in 2004 .

Many describe the present Etsu Bassa-Nge as a traditional ruler with a difference.

his mien, military background and mature  approach to issues in his domain is said to have endeared him to his subjects within and outside his domain and in the diaspora .

Several of his subjects attribute his personality , capacity and achievements to  his wealth of experience in the public service, particularly in the military.

According to Chief Jacob Edi, Kakaki Bassa Nge,  the reign of His Royay Highness has been prosperous and peaceful, leading his subjects  with justice and love .

Chief Edi said in any era in the Bassa-Nge kingdom, reigning monarch comes with their style, approach and  achievements for the good of the land , depending on the advancement of society at a given period .

He said as  the time the present Etsu Bassa-Nge kingdom ascended the throne, the kingdom had advanced.

He said the Royal Father reigns with the dictate of that advancement, with a lot of innovation, and decisive steps for sustainable development in the land.

“Our annual fishing festival which was  done at local level has assumed international proportion, with individuals coming from within and outside the country to feel  the rich culture and vegetation of Bassa-Nge kingdom.

“Few years ago , some people woke up and wanted a name change; he insisted , the tribe of his forefathers is Bassa-Nge . How can we wake up one morning and become what he didn’t know about; he would die, knowing, he led Bassa-Nge people into it. He stood  his ground ,and the dust settled down “, he said .

He said the agitation for the new name almost set the kingdom apart, as people continue to argue where the process of  constructing  new name will begin, having being known  as  Bassa-Nge for over 300 years in the land .

“Our king stood his ground that we are Bassa-Nges ,and nobody ,no matter how highly placed in the society can deceive us into a name change.

“Our king  believe nation, people and tribe will evolve naturally, Bassa-Nge kingdom has evolved and has come to stay”, he said .

He said the it takes a leader that knows his onion to decide; as if allowed, it  will reset the course of history of the Bassa-Nge people, with undesirable consequences in future.

In the same vein,  A community leader, Hon. Jimba Ahmed , a resident of Mozum who says he has known Etsu Bassa-Nge for ages  said he had not betrayed the traits  of greatness, truth  and being decisive,a trait associated with him since their early days .

“As a young man ,he says it, as it is. He is known for always being calm, speaks few words in our very younger days; he stands by and expresses truth with no boundary. Happily, we still see such traits in him being expressed on the stool of his fathers.

“Many felt his impact during Bassa-Komu/ Igbirra -Mozum ski. His advice and deft moves calmed nerves that contributed  to a lasting solution in the  war- torn communities, said Hon Jimba Ahmed, his peers at younger years .

As part of his contribution to humanities , the Royal Father was said to have received several awards from different groups and  institutions, within and outside the country, mong others, a citadel of learning, Oral Roberts University in the United States awarded  him  a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Community Development and the Best Traditional Ruler in Healthcare in Kogi State.

However, the Royal Father who believe in the territorial integrity of the nation enlisted his son, Muhammad Abu Ali into Nigerian Army in 1998, a year before his retirement.

The young Abu Ali  was admitted into  the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 50th Regular Course ,and rose to the rank of Lt .Col 2015, in recognition of his gallantry and effectiveness in combat

Unfortunately, the Royal Father lost him  to Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State in 2016 during  an ambush, ending a flourishing career .

Despite this sad incident, the Etsu of Bassa-Nge is said to be unruffled as he  continued to serve his people with passion, inspiring others with his selfless service and dedication.

Contributions from Dickson Adama (Jos), Labaran Tijani (Lokoja), Ismail Adebayo (Birnin Kebbi), Abubakar Akote (Minna), Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto) and Eugene Agha (Lagos)