The Dabo dynasty (1819-2019): A Bicentennial
On a ride home from my farm one day, listening to Salihu Jankidi’s epic songs of a past glorious, I felt my hairs raised and tears welling up my eyes, and questions and thoughts running through my mind. I felt sad and disappointed at how we seem to have lost our cultural identity, norms, values […]
On a ride home from my farm one day, listening to Salihu Jankidi’s epic songs of a past glorious, I felt my hairs raised and tears welling up my eyes, and questions and thoughts running through my mind. I felt sad and disappointed at how we seem to have lost our cultural identity, norms, values and even our history to the onslaught of toxic, corrosive and bad foreign attitudes, influences and behaviors mostly via the electronic media in the name of westernization and globalization. Yes, technology has its good side but I fear that our societies’ cultural norms and values may be gone forever in a generation. I quickly consoled myself that all hope is not yet lost as our traditional rulers have remained as a last solid vestige of preserving our traditions and cultural identity that we often seek to showcase or export to the rest of the world via cultural exchanges or cultural diplomacy. Jankidi, thus, inspires this piece.
In the autumn of 1819 (September 21) Malam Ibrahim Dabo Dan Mahmudu ascended to the throne as the 45th Sarkin Kano, thereby establishing the Sullubawa ruling dynasty that has ruled Kano continuously for 200 years now, and which has become a perfect reference point of valor, grandeur, scholarship and royal etiquette per excellence not only in Nigeria but indeed Africa and the world at large. Dabo is thus the common ancestor and founder of the Kano reigning dynasty. This brings us to 13 Emirs in two centuries, i.e from 1819 to 2019.
Between these 13 Emirs there were defining moments in the life of the emirate ranging from Dabo earning the title of chi gari (the conqueror) owing to his strings of successes in battles, to his introduction of the unique style of ‘two eared’ turban (first in Hausa land). To Usman 1’s piety. To Abdullahi Maje Karofi’s majesty and decisiveness. To Muhammadu Bello’s assertiveness. To Tukur’s determination. He was the only emir slain in battle. To Alu’s prowess and valor at Tafashiya and against Damagaram, to the Kano forces encounter with the British at Kwatarkwashi (the only battle that earned the British army a Victoria Cross in 1903 Hausa land!). To the grandeur of Abbas, the first emir to be installed by the British, to the era of Usman 2 that heralded the first aircraft to ever land in Nigeria. Abdullahi Bayero was the first Kano emir to perform Hajj, where he met with Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass leading to the advent of Tijjaniyya in Kano. His era witnessed the provision of first ever pipe – borne water, electricity and hospital in Kano. Muhammadu Sanusi initiated the annual Ramadan tafsir in the emir’s palace, he hosted the Queen of England in 1956, he was the one and only Kano emir to be knighted by the Queen, his era saw the Independence of Nigeria while ruling the most politically advanced province in the country. He was the first Fulani emir to abdicate the throne. Muhammadu Inuwa’s tenure was the briefest (6 months), while Ado Bayero’s was the longest (51 years). Kano became a state, 4 years into Ado’s reign. The only Fulani emir to celebrate a golden jubilee. Through his decorum, he embodied the old English saying that a prince should be seen not heard.
From the above brief insight in to the life of the emirate, it is evidently clear that the Dabo dynasty has come a long way and has distinguished itself among its peers at home and abroad as a unique bastion and embodiment of royalty. In February 2004 the Sakkwato Caliphate celebrated its bicentennial anniversary, while the Dikko dynasty of Katsina celebrated its centenary anniversary in 2006. 2019 is thus an anniversary year for the emirate and good people of Kano, as such it is worth celebrating via special Juma’at prayer services, durbar processions, and of course paper presentations in seminars organized by the universities and polytechnics in the state to mark this worthy historical milestone. It matters because this is Dabo Dynasty’s bicentennial anniversary! The dynasty’s contributions to Kano and Nigeria’s growth and development in terms of history, culture, economics, commerce, politics, religious harmony, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence cannot be overemphasized.
In its 200 years history, to be sure, the Dabo dynasty has seen trials and tribulations, it has been to its peak and nadir. It has experienced a civil war (basasa), sieges by Damagaram, British conquest and colonial domination, attempted assassination and terrorist attack. It was able to surmount all these and emerge stronger. It is rather tragic that the current emir Muhammadu Sanusi 2 is enmeshed in an imbroglio that has whittled down his enormous domain and power.
Legend has it, that Dabo supplicated to the Almighty that may his progenies rule Kano to the most distant posterity, and two centuries later his line still controls the Twin Spears and the Ostrich Feathered-Sandals to this day. Indeed a prayer answered! A hundred years from now my salutation to Dabon Kano will always be “Karkon ruwa kwari, Mai Duniya” – and long may you reign!
Aminu Abdulqadir Imam wrote this piece from Kano [email protected]