Thousands of people, including dignitaries and traditional rulers, gather to celebrate the coronation of two new Shehus in the emirates of Bama and Dikwa in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State.

Thousands of people – including dignitaries and traditional rulers – have welcomed the new Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi.

Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast, presented the staff of office to the new Shehu on Tuesday, February 11, during a colourful ceremony in the Bama town stadium.

The event was held just two days after Zulum presented the staff of office to the new Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim Al-Amin El-Kanemi, on Sunday, February 9, at a prestigious ceremony held at the Shehu’s palace.

Both traditional rulers are descendants of the El-Kanemi lineage of the Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi is the second Shehu of Bama. He succeeds his father Alhaji Shehu Kyari Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi, who ruled for 30 years.

Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim Al-Amin El-Kanemi, took over from the 12th Shehu, Alhaji Mohammed Ibn Shehu Masta II, who was coronated in 2010 but spent much of his reign in exile because of insecurity in the northeastern state. He died in 2020.

Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim Al-Amin El-Kanemi took over in January 2021 but his coronation was postponed because of lingering security concerns.

Addressing the large crowd on Sunday in Dikwa, Zulum said: “Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the northeast is gradually coming to an end. I would like to commend the efforts of the Nigerian military, other security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and the people of Borno State for their resilience during these challenging times. I am pleased to report that Borno State is experiencing substantial improvements in peace and security, marking a positive shift from past difficulties.”

Zulum urged the new monarch to lead with “fairness, justice and inclusivity”.

“The selection of the new Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, following the demise of Alhaji Abba Tor Shehu Masta II, was marked by a peaceful and harmonious process. This transition reflects the respect for tradition and the rule of law that defines the Dikwa Emirate,” Zulum said.

He said the new Shehu had ascended the throne “in an era remarkably different from that of your illustrious predecessors”.

“These modern times require your best efforts in providing leadership and direction. Ours is a state that has been bedevilled by years of insecurity. The process of recovery is a collective responsibility for all. So, you have a greater responsibility to change the people towards the entrenchment of peace and development in the emirate.”

Zulum emphasised his commitment to end the “Boko Haram insurgency” before the end of his tenure, but said he could achieve this only with the commitment of traditional institutions.

The new Shehu thanked the governor and his supporters.

“I promise to uphold the oath administered on me. I will continue to support the people-oriented programmes and services of the government,” he said.

On Tuesday, at a similarly crowded and colourful ceremony at the stadium in Bama town, Zulum presented the staff of office to Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi.

Zulum told the scores of people attending the ceremony that he was “delighted to join the people of the Bama Emirate on the auspicious occasion of the presentation of the staff of office to His Royal Highness, Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi”.

He urged the monarch to provide “inspired leadership”.

“I wish to congratulate Your Royal Highness. We have no doubt that with your pedigree and experience as a leader, you will offer inspired leadership for the Bama Emirate.”

Zulum urged the monarch to use the opportunity given to him to address the issue of insecurity.

“The staff of office represents dedication and commitment to serve your subjects in the areas of security, education and the environment, among others.”

Zulum said that while Borno had been battling terrorism for the past 16 years, the state had witnessed “tremendous improvement in security and peace”.

“Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the northeast is gradually coming to an end. I am pleased to note that Borno State is currently experiencing a significant improvement in peace and security, making a welcome departure from the challenges of the past.”

Zulum paid tribute to the first Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Shehu Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, saying he had “contributed immensely to the successes in different sectors of the state, particularly in the critical areas of education, preventive healthcare, peace building and mass mobilisation”.

He said he was confident the new Shehu would consolidate on the solid foundation already put in place by his late father.

Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi pledged to promote peace, support government policies and contribute to the development of the area.

He commended Zulum for the timely resettlement of displaced persons and for providing farming communities with essential inputs and livelihood support.

Residents of Dikwa and Bama said the historic coronations had made them feel proud to be citizens of Borno State, adding that they “indicated the restoration of relative peace, security and stability not only in the respective emirates but across Borno State”.

Alhaji Munyam Banki told RNI that Bama town was one of the places that had been badly hit in the insurgency.

“We lost thousands of people and many were forced to flee.

“This historic coronation event indicates that relative peace and security has returned to Bama town and people have started returning to the local government area. We are extremely happy to witness such a wonderful ceremony held in an atmosphere of peace.

“This is the first time we are witnessing such a big event in Bama town. We are so grateful to Almighty Allah for the peace and security that is now being enjoyed by the people of Bama town.”

Abubakar Mala Gajibo, a resident of the Dikwa Local Government Area, said he had not attended “such a mega event” in Dikwa before.

He told RNI that he hoped the new Shehu and the government would focus on boosting agriculture and fishing activities in the district.

“Most people in the local government area rely on fishing or farming to make a living and provide sustenance for our families. It is crucial that we can go about our business in peace without having to worry about attacks.”

The coronation ceremonies were attended by emirs, chiefs and dignitaries – including judges, politicians and sultans – from Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO