Rakiya A.Muhammad
Wamakko town’s quiet streets buzzed with excitement as people gathered for a special event: the turbanning of new traditional title holders, including Mahdi, the eldest son of a former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako.
At 40, Mahdi Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako joined Wamakko district’s royal ranks, receiving the respected title of Yariman Wamakko.
The turbanning ceremony also honoured Alhaji Muhammad Sani Audu as Tafidan Wamakko, Habibu Dan Galadima as Dan Majen Wamakko, Alhaji Mukhtar Wamakko as Mainan Wamakko, Alhaji Mika’ ilu Bello as Dan Iyan Wamakko, and Alhaji Anwar Sadat Muhammad as Shattiman Wamakko.
Moments after his own traditional turbanning shaving ceremony at the Gidan Kara, Alhaji Ahmad Barade, the Baraden Wamakko bestowed turbans upon the six new title holders, marking their entry into a storied legacy.
Sokoto is rich in culture, with traditions and history part of everyday life. The turbanning ceremony, rooted in old customs, marked a new start as new title holders took their places.
The ceremony unfolded in a dazzling display of pomp and pageantry.
Camels and horses, draped in colourful decorations, paraded with regal grace, embodying generations of tradition and infusing the scene with vibrant energy.
Drummers unleashed spirited rhythms that danced through the air, echoing the soul of Sokoto. The spectacle of traditional wrestling, boxing, ‘Yan Tauri, Fulani Sharo, and Daro by the Sullubawa brought the community’s proud heritage to life.
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi Minister of Labour/ Employment, Barrister Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, a former deputy governor, and Abubakar Shehu Wurno, former Ambassador to Morocco.
Among other notable figures included Sadiq Isah Achida, Northwest Zonal Secretary of the APC, , Haruna S. Adiya, state APC Chairman, and lawmakers.
In his message, Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu noted genuine leadership flourishes through compassion and dedication, urging everyone to unite with their leader in pursuit of shared progress.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa, called for a focus on community development and efforts to achieve lasting peace, unity, and security for the state and nation.
Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, who spoke through Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, encouraged the new traditional leaders to offer fair and credible leadership.
Alhaji Umar Ahmad Dundaye, Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, celebrated the day as a landmark moment and warmly pledges the council’s unwavering support to the new traditional leadership.
The Baraden Wamakko expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and the Sultan of Sokoto, calling his rise a moment of profound historical significance. He pledges to uphold fairness and justice for everyone.
Many saw the event as a vibrant tribute to a proud heritage, a joyful reminder that tradition not only honours the past but also weaves generations together in an enduring connection.
