Frontiers of Knowledge Journal Series | International Journal of Social Sciences ISSN: 2635-3644 | Vol. 4 Issue 1 (March, 2021)

The Role of Traditional Hegemony in Community Development: A Case study of Gwadabawa District, , (1931- 1968). Yusuf Sarkingobir 1

Department of Biology Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, Nigeria [email protected]

Abstract Sokoto Caliphate was a famous formation made by the Fulani Jihadists and their helpers in the Hausaland and environs, which is still afresh in our mind and civilization. It led to the revival of the Hausaland traditional hegemony system. Later, the British invaded the region and installed some of their interests. But, still the system laid by Usman Danfodio is still relevant and unavoidable. The actors in this Danfodio system contributed hugely in the development using their traditional powers. One of the famous grand scions who followed the footsteps of his forefathers was the Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman (who lived circa in 1903-1968 A.D.). Abdurrahman was raised in a family of Atikawa, popularly known for education. He obtained Islamic and Western education accordingly. He started representing Gwadabawa in the aspects of hegemony as early as 1916. Later in 1927-1931 he became the Sardauna of Sokoto after he succeeded his brother Abdun Mamma. Among his achievements on Sardauna stool was the construction of Sokoto-Gusau Road. In 1931 he was turbaned as the Sarkingobir Gwadabawa, District Head of Gwadabawa, a more important post than the Sardauna. He ensured the transmogrification of Illela bush to a town. He ensured many contributions in the development of Gwadabawa District. Some of his roles include: the development in education, construction of roads connecting rural villages, construction of well water supplies, improvement in farming activities and preservation of peace among others. He died in June 1968. Therein, the mantle was given to his son Muhammadu Bello. Still the successors to Sarkingobir stool are his descendants. Keywords: Gwadabawa, District Head, Caliphate, Education, rural roads, peace, Sarkingobir Gwadabawa, Abdurrahman

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Frontiers of Knowledge Journal Series | International Journal of Social Sciences ISSN: 2635-3644 | Vol. 4 Issue 1 (March, 2021)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Family of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman

Abdurrahman Gwadabawa popularly known as AuduJatau is from the Atiku branch (Atikawa) of Sokoto royal family who are heirs to the Sarkin Musulmi (Sultanate) throne. Atikawa derived from the Abubakar Atiku 1 Ibn Shehu Usmanu (may Allah be pleased with him) who was the second Sarkin Musulmi after Muhammadu Bello. Atiku branch of the sultan’s family have a very close lien over the northern parts of the Sokoto Caliphate. It was started early when Atiku was assigned by Shehu to guard that region. When Atiku became Sarkin Musulmi, his son Ahmadu Zaruku (the grandfather of AuduJatau) took that mantle at Chimmola. In 1859, when Ahmadu Zaruku succeeded as Sultan and his son Muhammadu Maiturare followed in his footsteps living first at Chimmola and subsequently founded Gwadabawa. During the time of Maiturare, the flood of Adarawa/Azbinawa began. Maiturare became Sarkin Musulmi in 1915. was carved out from Gwadabawa district in that 1915, and Gada in 1924. All these districts remained the heritage of Ahmadu Zaruku’s descendants (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979). Atikawa or their followers are numerous and inhabited other places apart from the northern part of Sokoto Caliphate. They can be found either as Sarakuna (leaders) or inhabitants in different places such as in Fajaldu, Danchadi, Jabo, Gwadabawa, Illela, Gada, Tangaza, Dimbiso, Sudan, (Maiwurno), Mecca, USA, Mali, Kontagora e.t.c. This is the family which AbduJatau hailed. He is Sarkingobir Abdurrahman Gwadabawa son of Sarkin Musulmi Muhammadu Maiturare Gwadabawa, son of Sarkin Musulmi Ahmadu Zaruku, son of Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Ibn Fodiyo (may Allah pleased with him). Available record echoed that Abdurrahman Gwadabawa was born in 1903 and he passed away in 1968 (may Allah pleased with him) (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979; Chafe,1998). The mother of SarkinGobir Abdurrahman was married from Arewa. Some traditions said she came from royal house of Kurdula (Sarkin Arewan Kurdula), while some believed that she was from Sarkin Arewan Yeldu (from Argungu royal house). All the two traditions had shown that she came from one region called Arewa, and if deep surf is performed, the origin might be one. Her name was Jimma (because it was

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a tradition of not calling the real name of elders in that time). Jimma came to Gwadabawa along with her younger brother Iliyasu (Noma), who was given the title of Jekadan Gwadabawa later (albeit in their original home they held the title of Jekada) (Namadina, 2020). 2. BODY APPEARANCE OF SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN

Abdurrahman was a light-skinned complexion person, which gave the popular name Jatau (a word derived from red color). He was tall (not very tall), not slimed and not fat. He does not usually speak a lot. People cannot look at his eyes for long ( Namadina, 2020).

3. EDUCATION OF ABDURRAHMAN AND PRIOR APPOINTMENT BEFORE ASCENDING THE THRONE AS SARKINGOBIR.

As a tradition of any muslim family, Abdurrahman was quickly enrolled into Islamic school. Therein, he got deep education in Islamic sciences. He usually quotes quranic, hadith, and literatures when talking during his days. Probably, his Islamic knowledge earned him respect and reverence and popularity from the followers and elites during his life. He utilized one medical book written by Sultan Muhammadu Bello in treatment of people suffering from diverse medical conditions including the issues of spirit (jinn) and mayu. Being somebody born during the time when Turawa was at the height of Sokoto invasion, he was appointed to acquire the western knowledge through elementary school and self-taught ways (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979). Abdurrahman has been representing Gwadabawa in the affairs of Sarauta up to 1927. In 1927-1931 he was Sardaunan Sokoto, after he succeeded his brother Abdun Mamma. During his reign as Sardaunan Sokoto, he was a Sultanate councilor in- charge of works, in-charge of Yandoka (police, dogarai, gidanyari prison, and security). He toured Zamfara land. It was then that he ensured the construction of motorable Sokoto-Gusau road. In 1931, he succeeded as SarkinGobir of Gwadabawa (the district head of Maiturare’s house and leader of Atikawa), after Sarkingobir Adiya (may Allah be pleased with him) (Majalisar ra'ayin jama'a ta Sakkwato, n.d.; Sokoto State History Bureau,1979).

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4. PROMINENT RELATIONSHIPS, MARRIAGES AND SIGNIFICANT FACTS ABOUT SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN GWADABAWA

Some of the prominent relations of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman include: 1. Bunun Tangaza Shehu (his junior) 2. MarafanTangaza Isah (his senior) 3. Marafa Ibrahim Dasuki was his nephew (district of Gada). 4. Malam Abdu Tangaza (one time Sarkin fuloti) was his nephew. 5. One of the wives of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman was the daughter of Sarkin Musulmi Hassan (the cousin of Sarkin Musulmi Abubakar III. 6. District head of Muhammad Bello married his sister, which he divorced later. 7. He had a good relationship with the Sarkin Tudun Gidan Karma (Muhammadu Nagari, father of the current Sarkin Yamma Dan’Iya. 8. Other friends of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman were Bunun Tangaza Shehu, Sarkin Rafi Ummaru. He had been representing Gwadabawa in traditional leadership (sarauta) since as early as 1916 (Majalisar Raayin Jama'a ta Sakkwato, n.d.). He helped Sarkin Musulmi Tambari (his senior) during the reign of Tambari as Sarkingobir Gwadabawa, before Tambari ascended, the Sarkin Musulmi throne, Abdu Jatau has been in good terms with Sarkin Musulmi Hassan till the time of his death. When Hassan died in 1938, he contested for the Sultanate throne but lost to Abubakar III. This contest led to some repercussions upon him around 1937-1938; later he became on good term with Sarkin Musulmi Abubakar III up to the time he passed away in 1968 (Sifawa, 2020). 9. Sarkingobir Abdurrahman was a member of the Sultanate council in 1950 (Sokoto State History Bureau (1979). 10. Some possible successors of Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman mentioned were: Marafa Bello (second son), Bunun Tangaza Shehu, Marafa Ibrahim Gada. Abdurrahman once said, when he is elected to KADUNA Assembly, he will leave his District affairs to be safely looked after by the Sardaunan Chimmola Muhammadu Zayyanu, his son (Sokoto State History Bureau (1979). After the death of Sarkingobir, he was succeeded by his son

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Muhammadu Bello in 1968. Muhammadu Bello was succed by Muhammadu Zayyanu (brother to Muhammadu Bello). In 2014, Muhammadu Lawal was succeeded as the Sarkingobir Gwadabawa after his father Muhammadu Zayyanu (Ayama, 2018). 11. Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman had a good chance of becoming Sultan but that was not written in his destiny. It was openly spoken in his District that he was only waiting for higher favours to come on his way (Sokoto State History Bureau (1979).

5. CHILDREN OF SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN GWADABAWA Abdurrahman was blessed with a number of children males and females who became very important and specialized in their various endeavours, more especially in the service of humanity. They are listed below: 1. Muhammadu (Sardauna), born in 1931, one-time village head of Chimmola 2. Muhammadu Ahmad Chimmo 3. Muhammadu Bello (Marafa), born in 1932 one time village head of Asara later succeeded his father as sarkingobir in 1968. 4. Muhammadu Zayyana one time village head of Chimmola one-time Bunun Tangaza (district head) and succeeded his brother Muhammadu Bello as Sarkingobir in 1974, born in 1935. 5. Muh’d Kabir, born in 1936 6. Muhammadu Bello Marafan Gada 7. Mamman Sani, born in 1941 8. Muh’d Mansur, one-time Sarkingabas Chimmola (district head), born in 1942. 9. Muh’d Namadina became commissioner severally. Held several appointments, he is now the Talban Sokoto. He was born in 1946. 10. Muh’d Tukur held several governmental appointments. He was one time Sarkin Rafin Illela(district head). He was born in 1948. 11. Sardaunan Chimmola Aliyu 12. Malan Muhammadu Ladan 13. Usman (Shehu hoda) DurumbunTangaza 14. Umar Dan Soro 15. Umar Marafan Asara (village head Asara)

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16. Aliyu Kyari Wamban Sokoto. 17. Muhammadu Sarkin Bakin Daji 18. Hajiya Fatima Sarauniya 19. Hajiya Bargoni 20. Hajiya Rabiatu 21. Hajiya Tumba 22. Hajiya Maryam 23. Hajiya Halima 24. Hajiya Saudatu 25. Hajiya Hafsatu 26. Hajiya Antu (Sokoto Native Administration, n.d.; Sokoto State History Bureau,1979; Jabo, 2008)

6. MENTIONING SOME DEVELOPMENTS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE REIGN OF SARKINGOBIR GWADABAWA ABDURRAHMAN (1931- 1968 A.D). During the stay of Abdurrahman as Sarkingobir Gwadabawa several achievements were recorded through the power bestowed on him by his creator. During that time the indirect rule was in utilization, there was district council fund which Abdu Jatau utilized to make various developmental projects in the District that was the best (among 44 districts of then Sokoto Emirate), the most vast in terms of land and the most populated after (Gusau zone, which included Gusau, Tsafe, Bungudu and Kwatar-kwashi). When Abdurrahman came, he left the office of District head Gwadabawa after basically, establishing two things which were: Peace and Justice throughout his District. He utilized his endowed skills, intellects and abilities; and maintained his largest District, which was assumed to be very overwhelming on one man. Abdurrahman utilized district council funds to make the following among others in his districts. 1. Construction of motorable road connecting all his territory round the villages of his 17 village heads. 2. Construction of Kwakwara Wells in all his wards. 3. Spread of western education (Ilimin boko) throughout his District.

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4. Construction of bridges (Gada) joining Gwadabawa town and Tudun Zabarmawa, Attakwanyo and Tangaza region. He ensured that whoever visited Gwadabawa had to throw a stone in that river before passing. 5. Construction of Sarkin Musulmi Maiturare mosque, Gwadabawa (the Gwadabawa Central mosque from mud to modern one. Since then the mosque is still intact only minor renovations and extensions of the outside fence is carried out from time to time. 6. Formation of Illela city. We know his District was the most vast,and most populated, and best during his reign. During his time, he ensured the formation of Illela city (border town) which later became District headed by his son and grandson. Initially, the two important towns were DAMBA and KALMALO. To solve resettlement issues, to solve food problem issues, to solve security issues, to have proper control of his District, to take government to the grassroots and to ease the suffering on his extreme Districts ends. He carved farms and house (where he settled part of his family) at Illela Bush. He divided his week into 2, he always slept for 3 days at Illela and 4 days at Gwadabawa town. He also ensured the construction of social amenities (such as hospitals, schools, court, etc.) equal to the Gwadabawa town. He covered villages from Amarawa, Kalmalo, and others and accorded to Illela village head. All he did was a preparatory to the birth of new District, later to be headed by his descendants after his life (News Monthly Magazine (October, 2020). 7. He constructed Gwadabawa to Illela road from scrap. Before this achievement, many people believed that the work was impossible but he shamed the naysayers by completing it in the shortest time possible and with efficiency (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979).

7. ROLE OF GWADABAWA DISTRICT HEAD (SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN, REIGN 1930-1968 A.D.) IN EDUCATION Sarkingobir Abdurrahman was brought up in a family renown for scholarship. His father Muhammadu Maiturare was highly learned. Maiturare sought for establishment of a Western education school in his District as early as around 1920s during his reign as Marafa Gwadabawa, but that request was only materialized during the reign of his

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son Muhammadu Tambari on the Sarkin Musulmi throne. When Tambari became Sultan in 1924, he facilitated the establishment of the pioneer Western school in Gwadabawa together with other early generation schools in the Sokoto Emirate (Bello and Marafa, 2016). When Abdurrahman became Sarkingobir (District head of Gwadabawa), he followed the calls of the then Sultan to boost Western education in the Sokoto Emirate, as part of efforts to know the language of the Colonialists and to precipitate the sons and daughters of the land who will pursue for the Independence of the land in the near future (Usman, 1998). During the early time of Abdurrahman, he ensured the establishment of more schools in his Gwadabawa domain. In 1930s, there was a worldwide depression forcing the British to scuttle it's funding and commitment towards the expansion of Western education in the Sokoto Emirate and others. This was in agreement with the dream of the Westerners not to allow too many educated folks in their colonies, because the education can easily catalyzed the rise of Independence groups and aspirations, they only required few half-baked graduates that can help them in their colonial mission (Usman, 1998). Thus, the local leaders (traditional Sarakuna) had to face the bull by the horn by taking the charge of educating their people. The Sarkingobir Abdurrahman shouldered the educational responsibility of his District (Gwadabawa) through construction of schools, employment and payment of wages to local teachers and staff using the District Council Fund and relations. Further, from 1948 onwards, a kind of re-arousal on education was displayed by the government. It introduced primary education for all policy. Then, formation of laws by assemblies. Between 1953-1967 about 125 pupils were enrolled in Gwadabawa Junior Primary School (Bello and Marafa, 2016). In 1961, Local Education Authority was formed, and it turned out to be remarkable achievement in education of the Gwadabawa region. Parable, 2 schools were established at Illela and Kalmalo. Furthermore, in 1964 schools were opened in Chimmola and Salame villages. By 1960-1970s, schools had reached many lands in Gwadabawa. The role of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman or hegemony in these developments among others include: provision of lands for the construction of schools, construction and supervision of schools, financial contributions, and creation of awareness. One very principal thing Abdurrahman did was moral support or leading by example. Therein, he enrolled all

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his scions (males and females) in Western school which the most finished. This will serve as motivation to the peasantry population (citizens) who hold him as an example (Alhassan, 2021). Certainly, Abdurrahman had gotten the courage to boost education because: a. pledge of non-interference to religion by the Colonialists b. Indirect rule c. Introduction of Arabic and Islamic Education courses in Western schools. The encouragement of Western schools by Sarkingobir Abdurrahman was a step to produce people who can read and write to elucidate and comprehend the British (white man). This in turn serves as a way of producing nationalists (people of the soil) that will emerge as freedom fighters in the near future. People like Ambassador Hamzat Ahmad Walin Sokoto were on those products. On the other hand, encouragement of Islamic Education was essential to religion. In relation to Islamic education Sarkingobir Abdurrahman did alot. He always led by example. He ensured that all his wards (males and females) were enrolled in Islamic school. In fact, his male children had to take boarding at their Islamic schools, where they go to Western schools in the day and they returned to Islamic schools in the evening. Therein, his Children such as Muhammadu Zayyanu and Muhammadu Mahe were enrolled at a boarding school called Makarantar Malam Muhammadu; while people like Muhammadu Namadina, Muhammadu Tukur were enrolled at Makarantar Malam Nastsaye. He also secured the construction of a Competitive Islamic School (Mudali'ah) which was sited at the back of Gwadabawa General Mosque, in order to teach the students of his District Islamic education in a modernized way (different from the traditional Makarantar Allo system). Some of the students of this school got the basic Islamic studies, others rose to the rank of professorship (sheikh) such as Sheikh Ahmad Alhassan Gwadabawa (Alhassan, 2021). He also constructed the Gwadabawa General Mosque for teaching, sermon and prayers. Similarly, he had a behaviour learned from his father, a behaviour of searching for learned Islamic teachers and bringing them to his domain. There is one famous Sheikh Malam Sule Matse who was brought to Gwadabawa by Sarkingobir Abdurrahman and turbaned as Liman (the leader of the Gwadabawa General Mosque). Malam Sule was accorded with a living house and other entitlements by Abdurrahman, so as to

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enable him discharge his duties appropriately. He sat there till death at Magana Area in Gwadabawa town. Indeed, Malam Sule benefited the land to a huge extent. He modelled many of the famous Islamic teachers to come in the near future. Some of his famous students who became Sheikhs were: Sheikh Ahmad Alhassan Gwadabawa, Sheikh Aliyu Bn Muslimu, Sheikh Liman Isah Gwadabawa, Sheikh Abdurrahman Gangare, and Malam Musa among others (Nura, 2021).

8. ROLE PLAYED BY THE GWADABAWA DISTRICT HEAD (SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN, REIGN 1931-1968 A.D.) IN PROVISION OF WATER Sarkingobir Abdurrahman realized the importance of water very early, that is why he accorded provision of water very efficient response. In Sokoto Basin, which lies in Subsaharan region, there is critical need for water due to limited water resources, increased urbanization, and agricultural use, arid and semi-arid climate (Chafe, 1998; Gada, 2018). Normally, the spread of human settlement in Africa has been determined by availability of groundwater supplies, accessed through wells. The well water is often good, natural storage is high, and more affordable to rural population. The tapping of ground water supply through wells ( kwa-kwara) is essential for livelihood. Those wells are being important for domestic uses, improvement of climate adaptation or resistance, reduction in poverty and agricultural uses. Consequently, Abdurrahman utilized the district council fund and other resources available and constructed wells (kwa-kwara) in his largest District. Wells were constructed in all village head areas (garuruwan hakimai) and relations. The Wells were of high quality, they are many in Gwadabawa (including Illela), and up to today many of them are still in use (Namadina, 2020). Invariably, this achievement contributed in improvement of health (good water is essential for scuttling the transmission of diseases), provision of water accessibility, reduction in poverty, and improvement of agricultural activities. It also leads to population increase (Ministry of Information Cultural and Internal Affairs Sokoto, 1979; Pavelic et al., 2012; Gada and Umar, 2018).

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9. ROLE PLAYED BY GWADABAWA DISTRICT HEAD (SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN, REIGN 1931-1968 A.D.) IN PROVISION OF ROADS Absence of roads or poor roads, is one of the constraints to development, agriculture, economic development, poverty reduction, education and modernization (Kariga, 2000; International Growth Center, 2015). Transport is interwoven with communication, development, and agriculture. People living in rural areas with good roads have the capacity to exchange ideas, information; and have the accessibility to schools, markets and other developments. Thus, good roads are invaluable. During the time of Sarkingobir Abdurrahman (1931-1968), he made sure that all village head domains were connected with motorable roads in the vast Gwadabawa District (Namadina, 2020). Therefore, he positively impacted on many aspects of development such as: Agricultural production and marketing, local markets development, wages, employments, poverty alleviation, transport (speeds, costs and patterns), access to health and education, and gender aspects (Escobal, and Porice, 2002). Abdurrahman also ensured the construction of Sokoto to Illela road within the shortest possible time, and with few resources. This was a great achievement, which opened many villages, and metropolitan districts around. It connects the Niger Republic and Nigeria (Sokoto Native Administration, n.d.; Sarkingobir, 2020).

10. ROLE PLAYED BY GWADABAWA DISTRICT HEAD, SARKINGOBIR ABDURRAHMAN IN MAINTENANCE OF PEACE IN HIS DOMAIN Traditional hegemony leaders play a pivotal role in settling community disputes. They are regarded as custodians of traditional laws and receive the bulk cases of dealing with social issues in their various domains (Chafe,1998; Rukuni et al., 2015). Certainly, Abdurrahman Sarkingobir realized the importance of peace in his District, that is why he left no stone unturned and ensured that Gwadabawa had been one of the most peaceful Districts throughout the Sokoto Emirate. He achieved this feat through various policies, some of which were: a. Ensuring justice was meted on all his subjects irrespective of affiliations or statuses. He once sacked his biological son from village headship and imprisoned him. This

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instilled fear on all who wanted to be wanting or cause any harm or mayhem or unrest. b. Construction of Wells and roads had greatly improved economy and maintained of peace. Many of these wells are still being utilized by residents. Parable, at Gwadabawa, at Darna, at Tudun Muwaila etc. c. Social inclusive governance. He invented District council meeting, which was attended monthly. All village heads (hakimai) gather to discuss issues, make policies, laws, and disgorge budgets to solve developmental issues. d. He regularly undertook tour (Rangadi) to meet and supervise his domain (village heads) and to meet with the peasantry to hear their voice and grievances. e. He divided his District into 2 as Gwadabawa (headquarter) and Illela Court (Fada) offices for easy administration of Justice and government. f. Whoever was found wanting among his aides, wards, relatives is promptly punished or removed. He gave his children no room to wrong peasantry. All people, rich or poor, are equally treated under the eyes of the law (Sokoto Native Administration, n.d.; Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979).

11. ROLE OF SARKINGOBIR GWADABAWA ABDURRAHMAN IN BOOSTING AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES One of the cardinal economic policy of the Sokoto Caliphate is the boosting of agricultural activities. During and after the jihad, policies were implemented to boost agriculture for sustenance and economic development. These good principles are passed from generations to generations overtime (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979; Chafe, 1998; Sarkingobir, 2020). In tandem with this, Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman cannot deviate from the status quo of his forefathers. He did excellently well to trace their footsteps more especially in agriculture. He demonstrated that by leading by examples. Parable, he converted Illela into a settlement and farmlands were allocated to his subjects. He also own farmlands at Sonane, Garu, and relations. In Gwadabawa too, he had vast farmlands (gandayen noma) which he cultivated for his personal use and to disgorge to his subjects using his earned income. He had vast farmlands at Asara and relations. Additionally, he had made much interest in rearing of cattle (Sokoto State History Bureau, 1979; Chafe, 1998; Sarkingobir, 2020).

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12. SOME COMMENTS MADE BY BRITISH OFFICERS PERTAINING SARKINGOBIR GWADABAWA ABDURRAHMAN " A very satisfactory District Head, a man of calm, authoritative and pleasing manner. Having lately been Sardauna of police and prisons at Sokoto. He is well acquainted with the latest procedure of the Sokoto Native Authority, and especially in a District hitherto lacking in this respect. He is literate and can write in Arabic numerals and English characters. He is intelligent and shows Initiative and keenness. He had, I think, a good deal of covert and passive opposition from some few supporters of the old ' regime' in his District, but I believe he has gained the confidence of the mass of the peasantry" 9/2/1932 " A good District Head: has successfully coped with his District in spite of the addition to it of KADASSAKA" 25/5/1934 H.E.P. " An able and efficient District Head" 7/1/1936 Pitcairn D.O. " The most efficient District Head from the point of view of getting things done. A protege of the Waziris. There have been rumours of various malpractices but these have not as yet been substantiated. Has brothers (including Marafa of Tangaza) who are jealous of him and would be glad to get him into trouble. Probably a little ruthless but seems quite popular with the peasantry if not with his village heads " 5/1/1937 A.L. Milroy D.O. " Has worked hard and efficiently during the year as District Head of one of the most wartime frontier districts bordering Vichy Controlled French Territory, and has shown intelligence activity and energy in an ardous period" 6/3/1942 Ross, Resident " A forceful and able man. His years record has been a good one" 23/4/1943 " Active, intelligent and progressive. A good year's work" 1943 C.V. Williams " I still find him an enigma. Can be very good but has had mark ups and downs in the past. Is now 47 years old and less active than before, but still has a fine presence and energetic. He command respect" H.A.S Johnston D.O.S. " He is a strong and vigorous character. What he sets his mind to can be accomplished. His village heads hold him in awe " 1951 A. T. Weatherhead Ag Resident " He did very well in building the Sokoto-Illela Road, turning out and controlling huge gangs with complete mastery. Thanks to his outstanding influence, the work was

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completed in much shorter time than was expected...... In character he is the most enigmatic of the Sokoto District Heads. He is very effective in things that interest him...." H.A. S. Johnston 1952.

12. CONCLUSION Forsooth, traditional hegemony is paramount and pivotal in the development of Hausaland. One the famous system in Hausaland was laid by a revivalist Usman Danfodio. Later his grandchild Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman followed his footsteps. He contributed to development in his District. He lead to construction of roads, wells, formation of farms, improvement and spread of education, preservation of peace and many more. Key informants: Alhaji Muhammadu Namadina Abdurrahman Talban Sokoto (the eldest surviving son of Sarkingobir Gwadabawa Abdurrahman) interviewed at Sokoto on 5/12/2020 Sheikh Ahmad Alhassan (80yrs old) Gwadabawa interviewed at Gwadabawa, on 3/3/2021 Nahanci, an aide of Sarkingobir Gwadabawa (55yrs old) interviewed at Gwadabawa on 4/2/2021 Wakilin Gwadabawa Alhaji Abdurrahman Danfaransi (over 90yrs old) interviewed at Gwadabawa on 5/12/2020 Nura Kacha (38 years old) grandchild of Liman Sule interviewed at Gwadabawa on 12/2/2021

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13. REFERENCES Ayama, M.B. (2018). Takaitaccen tarihin masaurautar Gwadabawa. Sokoto: Kalanjeni Printing Press Sokoto.

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Author 1 Yusuf Sarkingobir

He is staff of department of Biology Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria. He holds BSc Biochemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and MS.c Public Health from Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Maradi, Niger Republic. His research interest focuses on Public Health and Environment.

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