Zazzau Emirate Succession Procedure

By Nurudeen Dauda

Innaa lillaahi wa Innaa ilaihi raaji’uun! The Zazzau Emirate, and indeed the whole nation have lost a father. May Allah have mercy on the soul of His Highness Alh(Dr) Shehu Idris, the Emir of Zazzau.

However, there are four ruling houses in Zazzau Emirate:

(1) Mallawa Ruling House,
(2) Katsinawa Ruling House ,
(3) Sullubawa Ruling House, and
(4) Barebari Ruling House.

Accordingly, there are five Kingmakers who are traditionally /constitutionally charged with the responsibility of electing a new emir in Zazzau Emirate in view of the new vacancy that exists .

More so, the Zazzau Kingmakers are:

(1) Wazirin Zazzau,
(2) Limamin Zazzau,
(3) Fagachin Zazzau,
(4) Limamin Kona Zazzau and
(5) Makama Zazzau.

The line of leneages of the four Zazzau ruling houses are:

(1) Sullubawa Dynasty -Malam Abdulsalam,

(2) Mallawa Dynasty- Malam Musa,

(3) Katsinaw Dynasty Malam Abdulkarimu and

(4) Barebari Dynasty -Malam Yamusa

Traditionally, any interested candidate from the above ruling houses could inspire to the throne of his ancestors. After declarations by aspirants, the ball will then be in the court of the kingmakers who will choose three candidates from among the contenders for the final selection of one of them by the state Governor.

Among the top five contenders are:

(1) Yariman Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Jaafaru from Barebari ruling house,
(2) Magajin Garin Zazzau Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli from Mallawa ruling house,

(3) Iyan Zazzau Alhaji Bashar Aminu from Katsinawa ruling house,

(4) Sarkin Kudun Zazzau Sambo Shehu Idris from Katsinawa ruling house and
(5) Danmajen Zazzau Nasiru Shehu Idris from Katsinawa ruling house etc.

Incumbent Yariman Zazzau, Munir Jafaru who is also the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority is so far the most favoured. He has being a bridge builder, a philanthropist, and very close to the people.

May the Almighty Allah choose the best for Zazzau Emirate. Ameen!