Thirty years after, Suleja mourns Dodo Musa, by Ibrahim Musa

Thirty years after, Suleja mourns Dodo Musa, by Ibrahim Musa

The 5th of July, 1993 was a Monday when at the wee hour, an unpleasant and devastating news started filtering out that ” Sarki ya rasu… meaning the Emir is dead”. Allahu Akbar, as destiny had it however, he died on the eve of his supposedly 14th anniversary on the Throne.

His Royal Highness, late Ibrahim Dodo Musa was so endeared into the hearts of his people because of his ascetic life and compassion. He was Charismatic and elegant. His care and concern for his people automatically radiated love , peace, tranquility and loyalty that he enjoyed through out his reign. He was noted for his glaring investment in the cause of Almighty Allah and advancement in humanity. He was simple, humble, amiable and easily accessible to his people.

It was on records that in the evenings usually after ASR prayers, Dodo Musa used to drive alone with just a Driver around the town devoid of his Royal paraphernalia and in an untinted Car just to take himself to people and give them inalienable rights of access to their Emir. Even when some people tried to stop him from such practices that according to them, he was making himself cheap, he often replied that he was in their midst before being appointed as the Emir and he was meant to serve them and therefore, he must make himself accessible. What a humane and humble submission!

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One could never deny how Dodo Musa was reputed to upholding and promoting the sanctity of Suleja cultural heritage and traditions.

For instance, on the 27th & 28th of Ramadan, the Emir on Horse back with retinue of his prominent Traditional Title Holders will ride to the Houses of Salanke and Liman Jumma’a respectively (These are the two leading religious Heads in the town) to congratulate them for the successful end of Fasting period and listen to sermons on dos and dont’s as enshrined in the Islamic Teachings. The beautiful and captivating attires of the Emir and his entourage was a befitting sight to uphold accompanied by Drummers and Trumpeters.
All the routes leading to these locations will stand still in honour of the visiting Monarch.

The legendary came to its peak on Sallah day where the Emir, District Heads, Traditional Title Holders and many others will ride on horse back from Eid Ground through IBB Market and burst at the old Post Office to the Roundabout leading to the Palace. Horse Riders will start taking their turns to herald the soon arrival of the Emir to the awaiting Mammoth crowd. Riding from the Palace to Unguwar Barde (which is a straight path convenient for horse riding).

The Emir will arrive at Unguwar Barde having a clear view to the palace where Riders of various groups and ages among which were entourages from District Heads and other title holders will display their talents. The most notable among them were Late Alhaji Wowo (Waziri ), Late Adamu Katsina (Makama Qarami), Late Baban Dutse (Sarkin Dawaki), Late Salihu Dogo (Shanagu) among others. These were preceded by young lads headed by Alhaji Bello (present Barde Qanqana), late Abubakar(Bomboy) and Yahaya Bawa,Musa Sahabi (CBN) and Hayatu of Unguwar Kuyambana among others.

The climax was when the Emir himself arrived the Arena beginning from Zauren Zazzau, the Drummers will automatically change the rythm and the Horse of the Emir will systematically take to the drums, the Emir will readily remove his Alqabba(Regalia) for a wonderful Horse display, galloping, giggling and meandering with ecstacy and impressive glamour to the applauses,cheers and admirations of the crowd. The atmosphere became charged and resonating. Den guns were shot on the air, Drummers and Trumpeters at their highest peak.

The same expertise he displayed during a Festival in Minna when Rtd General Ibrahim Babangida as the President was in attendance. General Babangida was acknowledging other Emirs with their entourages as they took their turns.
Behold, it reached its crescendo when it was the turn of Suleja.

As His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Dodo Musa approached the Pavilion, the Drummers changed the beating and automatically the Horse took after the rythm dancing to steps sarcadalically as dictated by the Drums beating,Dodo was at his best. IBB was thrilled and mesmerized that he had to stand up in cheers and applause. Indeed from the Pavilion to the Crowd it was roar of praises and admiration. In fact, Suleja came First in that festival.

In continuation of the Sallah celebration, a day after, all Holders of Original Habe Traditional Titles, which included Madaki,Galadima, Wambai, Dallatu, Kuyambana among others will (after Asr prayers) to commence procession from Zauren Zazzau (the first structure built in the town) to where the Emir was seated being sorrounded by Guards, Title Holders, District Heads and other well wishers.

The procession is popularly called “Tafiyar Taqama” meaning “Majestic walk ” Turaki will take the lead responding to drum beatings with his dramatic walking steps coupled with amazing body gesticulations which is immitated by the procession.
As a result, a walking distance that ordinarily is not more than 150 meters will take the procession a better part of an hour because of the majestic walk as dictated by drums and Trumpets.

In fact, the celebration used to attract Young and Old including those from surrounding Villages will troop in their best dresses and converge on the Palace to witness different Traditional and Cultural events . The Sallah celebrations then were thrilling because even People from FCT-Abuja including Foreign Nationals were not left in witnessing the Show.

It was same nostalgia during “Bukin ‘yan Sarki”( Suleja has a tradition of marrying off Princesses twice in a year) All Daughters of Royal blood that were ready for marriage were assembled at the Palace and their marriages contracted enmasse to their chosen Suitors. At that event, Drummers and traditional dancers specifically of Wagu Village of Suleja Emirate staged plays for one whole week to congratulate and celebrate with His Royal Highness on weddings of his Daughters. Traditional Dancers called (Dodon Wagu) were at hand to display while money and other gifts were sprayed on them by friends and families of the Grooms who would be trying to outshine one another.

That time, all Sons and Daughters of Suleja in various towns, neighbouring Villages and cities including Tourists will never want to be missed out of such memorable events and exciting moments.

Alas, these were part of worthy events and traditional reminiscences that keep on resonating in the thirty years after the demise of Dodo Musa.

One needn’t to be reminded of his Royal accumen, gorgeous outfit and dexterity hence, he was generally tagged “Siliki kyau da kaya” implying that “Dress adorned with Aesthetism”.

Remarkably, Dodo can’t be easily forgotten thirty years after his death. Suleja still mourns his demise with such pains and agony especially from those that he had used his Stool to assist to prosper in the areas of Education, Employment, social, political and economic upliftment.

Worthy of note however, was that it was during his 14 years of reign that some outstanding achievements in terms of attracting Federal and State presences in Suleja for the overall interest of Suleja People that stand the test of time were recorded as highlighted below:

(1). NATIONAL PIPELINE *STORAGE COMPANY ( DEPOT): The success story of siting National Pipileline Storage Company, the former PPMC Depot in Suleja can not be complete without attributing it to the Resilience, Focus and Dexterity of Dodo Musa. He was known for penetrating Governments at different levels to bringing in Projects and appointments that are beneficial to his Domain. The Depot is still functional which created Job opportunities to Suleja Residents and notably, projecting the Town to National Limelight.

(2). Federal Government Academy: This was formerly known as Suleja Academy. It is a Federal School for the gifted that was established in Suleja during the reign of Dodo Musa. The School is one of the few in the Country that admits Children that are exceptionally gifted in brilliance.

(3) . Road Construction: It is on records that the Suleja -Minna Township Road was reconstructed ladened with Coal Tar when Dodo Musa was on Throne before it was rehabilitated decade after by Late Engr Abdulkadir Kure, the Niger State Governor from 1999-2007.

(4). Central Market: It was during the reign of Dodo Musa the present central Market Popularly called “IBB Market was constructed.
Remarkably, the Market serves as epicenter of Commerce and Commercial Hub in Niger State.
Today, the Market is one of the viable Revenue Generating Ventures in Suleja.

(5). NTA STATION: The Nigerian Television Authority (Abuja Station) was initially sited in Suleja during the reign of Dodo Musa. The Station did not only serve the Community with Local News and Programming but as well created Job opportunities to Suleja people . Painfully, the Television and Radio signals from State’s Stations that Suleja used to enjoy are completely vanished now for a long time immemorial. Suleja can not monitor happenings in the State on any Local Station apart from NTA Suleja that operates skeletally.

(6). SCHOOL OF NURSING & MIDWIFERY : It was equally during his reign that School of Nursing and Midwifery was established in Suleja by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to serve as a take-off ground before the construction of its permanent Site at Gwagwalada where the School presently operates.

(7) . Federal School of Arts and Science (FSAS): It was a higher Institution established for Remedial Students and those writing “A” Level General Certificate of Education (GCE) for Admissions into Universities before it was abolished.

The School availed Academic opportunities to many Suleja Indigenes to further education and attracted Students from different parts of the Country. It therefore brought with it associated glory that Federal Institutions attract to host Communities.

Other notable projects of equal magnitude are Awwal Ibrahim Township Stadium and General Post Office along Minna Road which were all constructed during his reign as the Emir of Zazzau-Suleja.

These are few laudable projects and achievements that were recorded during his reign .

That was Gwarzo, Dodo na Garba Dan Musa, Magajin Ibrahim. Iro, sa Maza ladabi da Kakabi. Sanya Sulke na fada,dole Maza su yi Ja-hi. Tantabara komi nisan kiwo, gida ki ka kwana.

*Origin of Zazzau- Abuja* now (Suleja )

Zazzau -Abuja (Suleja) originated from Daura and Habe being the origin of Hausa Rulership. The term Zazzau means Sword which was used to prosecute Wars right from Daura. The bearer of the Zazzau was called “Madaukin Zazzau” or Sword bearer.

On other hand, Zariya is the name of the Daughter of Bakwa Turunku and a sister to Queen Amina whom herself is of Habe (Daura) extraction. She was never a Ruler like her Father but being the elderly as the tradition had it, she was automatically in charge of the Armoury and the Troops. She was therefore a great Warrior herself.

Gunguma, who was the Son of Bawo and Grandson of Bayajida was the first Emir of Zazzau(Zaria). It is on records that Habe dynasty has been ruling Zaria for over Hundred years with 60 Emirs succeeding one another.

The 61st Emir of Zazzau was Muhammadu Makau who succeeded Is’haq Jatau that ruled from 1782-1802. It was during the reign of Muhammadu Makau that Shehu Danfodio launched an attack on Zaria in 1804 when the Emir was on the outskirts of the Town.

On learning the ordeal that befell his Kingdom, worst still that she was caught unawares because he left his Troops behind and took along only Zazzau (Sword) and Kambi (Helmet) that were the symbols of Habe Authority, he therefore decided to flee with the few people in his company including his Brothers, Abu-ja (Abu the light because of his light complexion)and Abu-Kwaka(dark in complexion) to Zuba.

Makau stayed in Zuba with his Companions till 1825 when he answered the call of our Creator.
Abu-ja took to farming and discovered a Virgin Land far away from Zuba which he used as his Farm.

However, because of the distance, Abu-ja built a Hut where he used to spend the night from time to time. Gradually, those that migrated along with his late Brother from Zaria including Abu – Kwaka decided to leave Zuba and stayed with him on his Farm. As a result, anytime Zuba people are longing to see their Settlers, they will say we are to visit Abu-ja. Hence, the name of the Town, ABU -JA. Remarkably, the first structure (Hut) built by Abu-ja still stands (though with little moderation) and is now known as Zauren Zazzau where it is opened only on special occasions.

The town continued to bear the name Zazzau -Abuja till when the Military Government of Murtala Mohammad decided to relocate the Federal Capital from Lagos to centre of Nigeria which Abuja was discovered to be the most ideal location.

The Military Government then contacted the then Emir,Alhaji Suleman Barau who was the sixth after the creation of Zazzau- Abuja.

Suleman Barau consulted with his Council Members on the request by Federal Government to site the Nation’s Capital in their Domain.

The Council graciously gave its nod hence, the creation of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja Domain.

The next Challenge is having surrendered the Land and the Name (Abuja) to the Nation, what then will be new name of the old Abuja?

The Emirate Council again became unanimous that since Abu-ja (means Abu, the light complexion) was the initial name, the town should bear the name of the Emir on whose reign the Town was conceded to the Nation and he was light in complexion too. The Town was automatically renamed *SULEJA* and maintains its prestigious status of *Zazzau-Suleja*.

It can therefore be easily deduced from the foregoing that Zaria (with due respect to our Brothers) has been bearing the hollow name of “Zazzau” whereas, the Artifacts of real Zazzau (Sword and Kambi “Helmet “) are residual with His Royal Highness the Emir of Zazzau-Suleja and the Bona-fide Descendant of Is’haq Jatau who was among the sixty Habe Emirs that ruled Zaria for over Hundred years with Gurungun, a Grandson of Bayajida as the First before the onslaught by Shehu Danfodio who was a Fulani .

More curiously, who will lay claim as a real Zage-Zagi in Zaria now?
Is it the Mallawa,Katsinawa or Sullubawa? This is a crucial issue to ponder upon.

Ibrahim Dodo Musa was the 7th Emir of
Zazzau-Suleja and a Son of the 5th Emir, Late Musa Ungulu who reigned from 1917-1944.

Musa Ungulu was the Son of the 3rd Emir, Late Ibrahim Dodon Gwari(Mai Iyali) who equally reigned from 1877-1902 who was also the Son of the 62 Emir of Habe/Hausa and indeed, the 1st Emir and Founder of the then **ABUJA* (now SULEJA). Hence, his lineage is referred to as *ABUJA RULING HOUSE.*

Ibrahim Dodo Musa succeeded late Suleman Barau ,the 6th Emir who reigned from 1944-1979. He was the Son of the 4th Emir Muhammadu Gani (Maje Zaria) who reigned from 1902-1917. Muhammadu Gani was the Son of the 2nd Emir called Abu Kwaka who was the Head of *ABU* *KWAKA RULING HOUSE.* This scenerio gave birth to the two Ruling Houses in Suleja being referred to as *ABUJA RULING* *HOUSE* and *ABU* *KWAKA RULING HOUSE* that succeeds one another on rotational basis.

Remarkably, little wonders then that the names Abubakar, Ibrahim, Musa and Suleman are predominantly found amongst the Princes of Suleja.

However, Abubakar and Ibrahim feature most commonly in the two Ruling Houses whereas, Suleman and Musa are easily identifiable in Abu Kwaka and Abuja Ruling Houses respectively.

At this juncture join me to pray for the Soul of the revered Monarch.
May Allah in His Bounties and Mercies forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Jannatul Firdaus.

No doubt,Allah Himself Has stated that “And (for) humble Men and Women….. He (Allah) has prepared forgiveness and a magnificent reward” (Qur’an 33.35).

Article written by Ibrahim Musa, Unguwar Bai, Suleja, Niger State.

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