HRH Kabir Usman - Emir of Katsina

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Emir Kabir Usman (1928-2008)

Daily Trust
14 March 2008

Muhammadu Kabir Usman, the 49th emir of Katsina who died 6 days ago was to many an exemplary ruler who gave his best to the people he served for the greater part of his 80 years on earth. He was the 3rd of the Sullubawa rulers of Katsina whose reign began in 1906. Emir Kabir’s father and grand father Sir Usman Nagogo and Muhammadu Dikko were also emirs of Katsina and are associated with much of its position as one of the leading emirates in Northern Nigeria. By many accounts the late emir was a down to earth royalty who brought a fresh breath to the usually stuffy ceremonies and protocols of palaces and royalties. He seemed to have an uncanny ability for the common touch and he did touch the lives of his subjects in so many ways.

After his early Islamic education and Middle School, the late emir began his public life with the Native Authority police and rose to become the equivalent of state police commissioner when he served as the Wakilin Doka about 50 years ago. According to his biographer, Muhammadu Kabir Usman effectively handled one of the delicate police work that arose as a result of the NEPU inspired revolt of Sambon Barka in the southern part of the Katsina emirate . In 1960 he was appointed as the Magajin Gari or District Head in charge of the administration of Katsina city, a position that was to serve as a training ground for the future emir and his son who succeeded him yesterday. Late Muhammadu Kabir Usman was also elected as a member of the Northern regional assembly and also served as a Parliamentary Secretary in the office of the Premier. On the death of his father on March 12, 1981, the amiable Muhammadu Kabir became the emir of Katsina.

His 27 years reign which began during the second attempt at civilian rule since Independence in Nigeria, saw many changes for the emirate he ruled. One of the highlights was the creation of Katsina state comprising present day Katsina and Daura emirates. In response to that, more districts were created to reflect modern day realities where traditional rulers continue to have relevance especially in areas where it has deep roots.

Throughout his reign, the late emir spearheaded many enlightenment programmes to explain many government programmes to the ordinary people in his domain. He was also a vigorous campaigner in causes he believed in, like the disappearance of grazing reserves and paths of the many nomadic people under his watch. Another of his concerns was the care of cemeteries and he went about exhorting people of the need to also care for the Hereafter. In recognition of his effort at promoting fraternal relations with the neighbouring republic of Niger, part of which at some point in history formed a portion of the Katsina emirate, Muhammadu Kabir Usman was awarded one of the country’s highest honours. He was also a recipient of 2 honorary doctorate degrees from the universities of Benin and Ife.

For many who knew him among his subjects, it was the uncommon ability of the late emir who was a keen Polo player that endeared him to them. His proselytizing ability and quick turn of phrase gave him an easy charm that made it natural for him to relate smoothly with both the high and mighty and also the lowly. His death has robbed the people of Katsina and his fellow emirs and chiefs of someone who could always be relied upon to make royalty seem not so remote to the concerns of ordinary people in their day to day life. The new emir , Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman, a son of the late emir, was until his elevation the Magajin Garin Katsina and he may do well to learn from the easy going manners of his illustrious father.

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