Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido, the Sarkin Bamaina, spoke with journalists at his palace on his dream for his subjects and the significance of Kawo-Bamaina, a colourful festival observed annually to celebrate the culture and tradition of the Bamaina people. MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH was there
Q: What is the significance of riding a horse from the Balbadu Square to the Palace?
A: First, I would like to express my gratitude to the Almighty Allah for His mercy and guidance all through my life up to this moment. Second, I would like to express my appreciation to my beloved father, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who has been there for me as a source of inspiration. Actually, the festival we just performed is called Hawa-Bamaina. It was introduced after my turbaning as part of the preservation of our culture and heritage. The reason why we left the Palace to Balbadu where we climbed the horse is that during the times of my grandfather, the late Alhaji Mohammed Lamido, he discovered Balbadu. He made Balbadu a meeting point where our people gather to chat over family and cultural life. So, climbing the horse at Balbadu is keeping with the tradition. What we are doing is following in the footsteps of my grandfather. We are preserving our culture.
Q: Just last year, you were elevated from a Village Head to the District Head. How would you describe your new status?
A: I became the Village Head at the age of 22, and with the guidance of the Almighty Allah and the advice of my father, I have been able to surmount all challenges and it has been quite easy. Let me, however, add that initially, when I was made the District Head, it was a little bit hectic. I have about 11 Village Heads under me; and I think it is an experience and an added responsibility. One major reason things have been working out for me is that I always heed the advice of my father who urges me to put God first in all I do. My father keeps on praying for me and things have been moving on fine.
Q: At your age, how do you feel presiding over the affairs of the elders around you?
A: Well, I will say at my age, I never expected I would become what I am today. So, in the beginning I was somewhat afraid. I didn’t know why I was afraid—maybe, because I am the king of my own elders; people old enough to be my grandfather, father or elder brothers. But with God on my side, I was able to conquer such fear. I have deep respect for my people, particularly, the elders; and at the same time, my elders respect me. The relationship I have with my people is mutual—the good things I do for them come back to me, so things are moving on smoothly.
Q: How do you feel being your father’s District Head, and how has his office as the Executive Governor impacted on your position?
A: Well, I have not told anybody this, but I will say it now: it is one of my touching moments whenever I am approached by my own father with my attire and traditional regalia on—sometimes, I feel like crying. I must tell you that my father is one man who has shown me love and affection. Talking about my father’s office and I, it is out of the question because I do not consider his office in Dutse as part of my own district. Before he was elected Governor, I was a Village Head, so his office has no special effect on my throne. I see him as the Governor of my state, just as other District Heads.
Q: Does your father influence some of your decisions?
A: Not at all. I make my decisions with the fear of God. I take advice from people, including my father.
Q: What are your duties as a District Head?
A: I am given the responsibility to look after my people. I listen to their needs; and anyone that cries, I hear the cry and take adequate actions that can put things right. I am also bound to pursue anything that will bring about development within my district.
Q: You said the festival is a new one. Why was it initiated?
A: My grandfather established the Dubar in Sumaina. We started it to preserve our own culture. We celebrate it to keep the name of our family. We celebrate Kawo-Sumaina to protect the culture of our own domain.
Q: As a District Head, how have you tried to address health problems such as polio and measles facing your people?
A: We have done a lot in this area. I must say that as a District Head, I get instructions from the Emirate Council, the Palace of the Emir in Dutse. The Emir relays to us what and what to do towards solving the health problems facing our people. We as District Heads pass instructions to the Ward Heads who relay it to the Village Heads for further action.
Q: How prepared are you to face the future?
A: Well, I am a graduate of Political Science; and I hope to go for my Masters after my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) programme. So, I believe I will focus on social infrastructure and the wellbeing of my people.
Q: Who are you?
A: I am an open person. Right from my childhood, I have been close to my people; the same people who insisted I must be their District Head, notwithstanding my age. I remember, at my early age my mother used to call me Yerima because she witnessed that people were always around me. My mother would always warn me to be careful about my association with too many people, but I couldn’t help it as they kept on coming because my power is the people. I was brought up in a family that has a good and rich cultural background. My father gave me the best of education and I think I can fit in any situation I find myself.
Q: As a young man facing modern life, do you have any regret sitting on the throne?
A: Well, anything you see in this life, you just take it as your own destiny. If you try to reject your destiny, you will have problems in life. I was a normal person before, but after I was turbanned, I sat myself down and said that I have to sit up to protect my throne and, most importantly, the image of my father. So, I am more composed now than before. What is supposed to be done, I know it is supposed to be done.
Q: Who do you cherish most?
A: My father.
Q: When are you planning to get married?
A: Very soon.
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