The Controversy Surrounding Sayawa Chiefdom in Bauchi State -By Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan

The intention by the Bauchi state government to site or establish a Chiefdom of Sayawa ethnic group at Tafawa Balewa town, in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Bauchi state is now a subject of considerable controversy.

Such issue often arises whenever the creation of chiefdom is eminent, and where then that of Sayawa would not be an exception, and which the complexities of such actions reveal underlying conflicts of interest between government, tradition, and the society at large.

Chiefdom plays a vital role like other traditional institutions in maintaining social harmony, resolving disputes, and upholding cultural traditions within their domain. They mostly serve as a bridge between the government and the people in ensuring that policies and programmes of government at the grassroots are promoted, in addition to the transfer of cultural identity to the generations yet on born, thus, creating a sense of unity among the people.

This, notwithstanding, the sitting of Chiefdom in a controversial area raises questions about the legitimacy of such in maintaining the sanctity of the identity of people of the area by the authority. If such an establishment contradicts cultural or legal norms, it is tantamount to widening the palpable division rather than cohesion within the community.

Arising from this point, it is evident that people may questioned the Governor’s pronouncement of Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi), Governor, Bauchi state placing the headquarters of Sayawa Chiefdom at Tafawa Balewa, considering the historical significance of the area to Muslim community in the state and the  country at large.

No doubt, such move can exacerbate political tensions, especially if they are perceived as an imposition by an external authority. Communities that feel excluded or sidelined may resist the sitting of chiefdom, leading to conflicts and unrest.

Based on the historical antecedents and political convenience, the creation of Sayawa Chiefdom in Bauchi state has witnessed no any objection and other tribes had nothing to lose in doing so, unequivocally from any quarters, but the Bauchi state government insistence, Gov. Bala A. Mohammed to site the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa, knowing fully that Tafawa Balewa belongs to the Fulani community, unarguably considering record of history in time, space and available facts for whoever cares to find or study as established by reliable resources and evidences of relics and data.

Moreover, facts-finding special committees established by successive governments in Bauchi state and the Federal Government, have all at various times been set up to address the problem of Chiefdom agitation by the Sayawa ethnic group in Bauchi state.

What baffled many about the creation of  Sayawa chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa is citing of traditional institution at the wrong place where lacks jurisdiction, for instance the federal wards in Tafawa Balewa are eleven namely Kardam ‘A’,Kardam ‘B’,Lere north,Lere South and Tapshin, Wai,Ball others are Bula, Dàjin,Dull and Bununu out of these wards only one is predominantly occupied by Sayawas that is Lere South while the remaining Ten are densely populated by other tribes the likes of Fulani, Jarawa, Angasawa with Pocket of Sayawa in some villages and semi urban town like that of Tafawa Balewa. Going by this there is no any justification to unilaterally handed over the Balewa town for one particular tribe.

 ‘’All the committees right from late Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin Commission of Inquiry in 1991, through to the Ambassador Jibrin Dada Chinade Committee on Review and Implementation of Reports in 2022 established two fundamental recommendations: 1.Creationof Sayawa Chiefdom with headquarters in Bogoro, not Tafawa Balewa, and 2. Justification for Tafawa Balewa as belonging to the Fulani extraction.’’

The summary of all the facts about this issue was aptly captured by the Ambassador Jibrin Dada Chinade Committee’s report, submitted to His Excellency, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) in February, 2022. It reads that: On page 1 of the document, it says: “The Sayawa ethnic group who constitutes the majority of the population of present Bogoro Local Government Area and some portions of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State has been agitating for a Chiefdom of its own as far back as the 1940s.

All the previous reports on Tafawa Balewa crisis by late Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin in 1991, Late Shehu Awak in 1993, Late Justice Bala Umar in 2001 and Late General Ibrahim Sabo in 2011, none of them ever recommended Tafawa Balewa as the headquarters for the Sayawa Chiefdom.

Therefore, the legality of sitting headquarters of the said Chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa area is a big contentious issue, with all matters before the court, and by extension whoever tries to act on it is what law term as contempt of court. If the laws are not adhered to, the appointment and siting can be deemed illegitimate.

Communities or advocacy groups may challenge such decisions in court, leading to prolonged legal battles. This not only delays governance but also polarizes public opinion as evident by press releases emanating from such groups as Bauchi State Muslim Parliament (BSMP), and the office of the headquarters of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), presides over by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, last but not the least the Zaar Youths Development Association (ZAYODA) has expressed its backing of the efforts of the State Government. This situation highlights the importance of consulting local communities and respecting cultural norms before making such weighty policy decision.

Now that the office of the Sultan has voiced out its concern in the defense of the muslim community and the caliphate, demanding equity and justice in respects of the Fulani Muslim, the original inhabitants of Tafawa Balewa within Bauchi Emirate, of what significance holding high ranking traditional title of ‘Kauran Daular Usmaniyya’, if one undermines the spiritual and traditional values of the caliphate?

To address these issues, mediation plays a crucial role. Neutral parties, such as community elders, legal experts, and government representatives, can help resolve disputes and find mutually acceptable solutions. Mediation ensures that all voices are heard and that decisions are made transparently. This approach minimizes the risk of conflict and fosters a sense of collective ownership and peaceful co-existence.