Now, Governor Yero has become ‘Dallatun Zazzau’

During the pre-colonial period, traditional rulers exercised absolute control over their people, mostly using unwritten laws. They exercised executive, legislative and judicial powers.  Over the long period of colonial rule, the chieftaincy institution was refined, restructured and integrated into the British colonial administrative system. This was an efficient means of facilitating control and effectively reducing […]

During the pre-colonial period, traditional rulers exercised absolute control over their people, mostly using unwritten laws. They exercised executive, legislative and judicial powers.  Over the long period of colonial rule, the chieftaincy institution was refined, restructured and integrated into the British colonial administrative system. This was an efficient means of facilitating control and effectively reducing the cost of governance and thus, marked the genesis of the legal framework to regulate the institution. They facilitated the success of indirect rule, especially in the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani kingdoms.
During post-colonial periods, the powers of local chiefs were further reduced and the chiefs were placed under the constitutional supervision of local councils.  But because they are close to the people and due to their enormous contribution in conflict resolution and peace keeping, local chiefs and honorary chieftaincy title holders still gain the respect of their people.
Traditional titles, both honorary and hereditary, are well-regarded in Nigerian societies and served as source of traditional and charismatic authorities. Title holders try as much as possible to mobilize their people to pay attention to the attainment of societal development that will transform the people without necessarily compromising on traditional values. Their contributions are worthy of mention and emulation, Sambo said.
In a stratified societies like the Hausa-Fulani kingdom, those conferred with honorary titles almost automatically move to the upper societal strata which enables them to enjoy more privileges, segregating them from the Talakawa (none-title holders).
There are a number of Nigerians who believe that chieftaincies and honorary PhD’s are sold to wealthy people, which entails that such titles are conferred in exchange for handsome donations.  Salanken Zazzau, Dr Bello AbdulQadir said it was untrue that titles are traded for cash in the traditional societies but given to people because they are worthy of character, knowledge and service.
A good number of wealthy Nigerians offer donations to universities to get honorary degrees while a good number of Christians and Muslims go on pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca to obtain the titles of JP and Alhaji respectively.  Others are called upon and conferred with traditional rulers based on their suitability and potions of authority.
The Emir of Zaria, Dr Shehu Idris recently conferred on the Kaduna State governor, Dr Mukhtar Ramalan Yero the title of Dallatun Zazzau at an elaborate ceremony. Thousands of people, including ministers, governors, as well as Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, attended the ceremony at the Emir’s palace in Zaria. Yero had, before the time acquired an honorary doctorate degree.  
The Salanken Zazzau said the title of Dallatu dates back to the pre-Jihad period and anybody given the title will serve as one of the many special advisers of the Emir on any matter concerning wide range of issues in the Emirate. “The Habe (Hausa) rulers conferred the title on anyone found deserving. But during the Fulani rule, the title was only set aside for the male members of the royal family.  However, the Emir has the right to confer the title on anybody.”
During the time of Habe rulers, the title of Dallatu wasn’t defined and had no specific roles attached to it, according to Salanke, but the Fulani rulers restricted it to a trusted prince who will offer sound advice to the Emir. “He is one of the advisers that the Emir consults at home after council meetings to further prioritise resolutions. So he is both a council member and a special adviser on council’s decision. He is among members of the kitchen cabinet who formed the inner circle.”
Even during the Habe reign when the Dallatun Zazzau had no portfolio, he could also be in the inner circle, depending on the decision of the Emir.  However, in the present administrative procedure where the local chiefs are constitutionally under the governor, the new Dallatun may find obstacles in setting his mind toward his new job. “The role he is expected to play now is to advise the Emir in terms of development; social, educational agricultural, health and anything that will benefit the Zazzau people not only as governor but as  an individual,” Salanke said.
Yero was picked up by the Emir as Dallatun by virtue of his contribution toward the development of Zazzagawa (natives of Zazzau Emirate). “He contributed to the development of the people, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and community-based-projects consistently right from his days as a schoolboy. He was in the private sector before he joined the government as commissioner and later deputy governor. Even now as governor, he offers support towards the success of the Emirate. He helped in opening small businesses for unemployed women and established skills acquisition centers for the youth. More than 1000 youths have benefited from the initiatives,” Salanke said.
The Emir of Zaria said during the ceremony that Yero was given the title on the grounds of fine leadership qualities and input on peaceful coexistence of people, both in Zazzau Emirate and the entire state.  
People are free to aspire to any title in the Emirate, but only the Emir whose decisions take priority over those of the council could consider and grant any chieftaincy request.
It was said that Governor Yero actually lobbied and used state resources to acquire the title to further attract the sympathy of the royal fathers and the people in his 2015 re-election bid. He was also said to have used his powers to emasculate other contenders, including the family members of late Dallatu, Mohammed Hayatuddeen, an allegation which Wakilin Wajen Zazzau said was “absolutely unfounded and should be ignored.” According to him, the Dallatun title isn’t hereditary and could not be transmitted to anybody without the consent of the Emir, and that it was not obligatory that the Emir must appoint the next Dallatun from the family of the deceased one.
While accepting the chieftaincy title, Governor Yero promised efforts to improve the lives of Zagezagi and the entire citizens of the state.