Northern Nigeria is a region steeped in history and culture, where traditional rulers, known as emirs, have played a pivotal role in society for centuries.
These emirs are descendants of the kings who once ruled over various kingdoms and empires before the colonial era.
They are not only the custodians of religion and tradition but also wield significant influence over the political and social affairs of their people.
Ranking and Historical Values
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 emirs in northern Nigeria, considering both their historical roots and contemporary significance.
The text you provided discusses the top 10 traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria. I will reorganize it with subheadings and create a table to present the information clearly.
Table: Top 10 Traditional Rulers in Northern Nigeria
Rank | Traditional Ruler | Emirate | Historical Significance |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sultan of Sokoto | Sokoto Caliphate | Spiritual leader, president of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. |
2 | Shehu of Borno | Borno Emirate | Traces origins to Kanem-Bornu Empire, advocate against Boko Haram. |
3 | Emir of Gwandu | Gwandu Emirate | Founded by Abdullahi dan Fodio, covers parts of Kebbi and Niger states. |
4 | Emir of Kano | Kano Emirate | One of the oldest emirates, center of trade and culture, 15th emir of Fulani dynasty. |
5 | Lamido of Adamawa | Adamawa Emirate | Diverse emirate founded by Modibbo Adama, advocate against Boko Haram. |
6 | Emir of Katsina | Katsina Emirate | One of the oldest emirates, 50th emir of the Dallaji dynasty. |
7 | Emir of Zazzau | Zazzau Emirate | Founded in the 15th century, known for military prowess. |
8 | Emir of Bauchi | Bauchi Emirate | Diverse emirate, founded by Yakubu, 11th emir of the Adamu dynasty. |
9 | Etsu Nupe | Nupe Emirate | Ruler of all Nupe people, absorbed into Gwandu Emirate, led by Alhaji (Dr) (Brig. Gen) Yahaya Abubakar rtd GCFR. |
10 | Emir of Ilorin | Ilorin Emirate | Unique emirate founded by Sheikh Alimi, covers parts of Kwara and Kogi states. |
1. Sultan of Sokoto
Historical Significance: The Sultan of Sokoto holds the esteemed position of being the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria. He is also the head of the Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century. This caliphate stood as the largest and most powerful Islamic state in Africa, spanning most of northern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries.
Current Ruler: Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III (since 2009)
Notable Roles: President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council. He is widely respected for his efforts to promote peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue in Nigeria¹.
2. Shehu of Borno
Historical Significance: The Borno Emirate traces its origins to the Kanem-Bornu Empire, established in the 9th century. This empire thrived in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Sayfawa dynasty, covering parts of modern-day Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Libya.
Current Ruler: Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi (since 2009)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Borno State Council of Chiefs and a vocal advocate for the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency².
3. Emir of Gwandu
Historical Significance: The Gwandu Emirate, one of the two emirates within the Sokoto Caliphate, was founded by Abdullahi dan Fodio in the early 19th century. It holds historical and religious significance, covering parts of modern-day Kebbi and Niger states.
Current Ruler: Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar (since 2005)
Notable Roles: Vice-chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs and second-in-command to the Sultan of Sokoto³.
4. Emir of Kano
Historical Significance: The Kano Emirate, one of the oldest and most influential in northern Nigeria, was founded in the 10th century. It became a hub of trade, learning, and culture in the Hausa region, embracing Islam early on.
Current Ruler: Aminu Ado Bayero (since 2020)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs and a prominent figure in Nigerian society⁴.
5. Lamido of Adamawa
Historical Significance: The Adamawa Emirate, established in the 19th century, is one of the largest and most diverse emirates in northern Nigeria. It encompasses various ethnic groups, such as the Fulani, Hausa, Chamba, Mumuye, and Bachama.
Current Ruler: Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa (since 2010)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs and a respected elder statesman⁵.
6. Emir of Katsina
Historical Significance: The Katsina Emirate, founded in the 11th century, is renowned for its early adoption of Islam and the production of eminent scholars and leaders.
Current Ruler: Abdulmumini Kabir Usman (since 2008)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Katsina State Council of Chiefs and a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari.
7. Emir of Zazzau
Historical Significance: The Zazzau Emirate, established in the 15th century, was a dominant force in the Hausa region, known for its military prowess.
Current Ruler: Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli (since 2020)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs and a former diplomat and banker.
8. Emir of Bauchi
Historical Significance: The Bauchi Emirate, founded in the 19th century, is one of the most diverse and dynamic in northern Nigeria, encompassing various ethnic groups.
Current Ruler: Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu (since 2010)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Chiefs and a prominent businessman.
9. Etsu Nupe
Historical Significance: Etsu Nupe, meaning “King” in Nupe, is the ruler of all Nupe people, with headquarters in Bida. It is important to note that the Emir of Bida is ranked ninth among northern Nigeria’s emirs. The Nupe Kingdom’s history is intertwined with the Gwandu Emirate, the administrative capital of the Sokoto Sultanate.
Current Ruler: Alhaji (Dr) (Brig. Gen) Yahaya Abubakar rtd GCFR.
Notable Roles: A retired soldier, elder statesman, and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council of Chiefs, making him one of the most respected emirs in northern Nigeria.
10. Emir of Ilorin
Historical Significance: The Ilorin Emirate, founded by Sheikh Alimi in the 18th century, is a unique and influential emirate with a diverse population of Yoruba, Fulani, Baruba, Nupe and Kanuri people.
Current Ruler: Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (since 1995)
Notable Roles: Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and a retired justice of the Court of Appeal.
Other Traditional Rulers are;
(11) The Emir of Kontagora (Sarkin Sudan) Niger province
(12) The Emir of Dikwa ( Mai/Shehu of Dikwa ) Bornu province
(13) The Emir of Argungu (Sarkin Kabbi) Sokoto province
(14) The Emir of Gombe Bauchi province (15) The Tor of Tiv Benue province
(16) The Attah of Igala kabba province
(17) The Emir of Katagum (Sarkin Bornu )Bauchi province
(18) The Emir of Misau ( Sarkin Bornu ta Gabas) Bauchi province
(19) The Emir of Hadeja Kano province (20) The Emir of Daura Katsina province
(21) The Emir of Kazaure ( Sarkin Arewa) Kano province
(22) The Emir of Gumel Kano province
(23) The Emir of Agaie Niger province
(24) The Emir of Lapai Niger province
(25) The Emir of Pategi Ilorin province
(26) The Emir of Yauri Sokoto province
(27) The Emir of Borgu Ilorin province
(28) The Emir of Jama’are Bauchi province
(29) The Emir of Muri Adamawa province
(30) The Emir of Fika (Mai Fika) Bornu province
(31) The Emir of Biu Bornu province
(32) The Emir of Badde(Mai Badde ) Bornu province
(33) The Ohinoyi of Ibbira Land kabba province
(34) The Emir of Keffi Benue province
(35) The Emir of Of Nasarawa Sarkin kwotto Benue province
(36) The Emir of Lafia Benue province
(37) The Emir of Jemaa Zaria province
(38) The Emir of Abuja (Sarkin Zazzau Suleja) Niger province
(39) The Aku of wukari Benue province
(40) The Ohimege of koton Karife Kabba province
(41) The Och’ Idoma Benue province
(42) The Emir of Wase ( Sarkin Dutse) plateau province (43) The Chief of Jos Plateau province
(44) The Chief of Zuru (Sarkin Dabai) Niger province
(45) The Chief of Kagoro Zaria province
(46) The Chief of Mubi Sardauna province
(47) The Chief of Ningi Bauchi province