By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The Palace of Bala Waja, the paramount traditional ruler of the Waja tribe in Balanga LGA of Gombe State came alive when Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, the new ‘Sarkin Bai’ led a high powered delegation to pay a thank you homage.
Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, a two term former member of the Gombe State House of Assembly, former minority leader and current State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), was recently appointed the prestigious title by the Bala Waja, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Mohammad.
Those who accompanied Rambi included, the immediate former Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Sadiq, former member of the House of Representatives and Elder Statesman, Dr Mohammed Ismaila (Sa’in Dukku), former LG Chairmen, former members of the State House of Assembly, District Heads, clergies, prominent politicians among a crowd of many others.
In their various remarks, they commended the disposition of the Bala Waja for accommodating and embracing everyone which led to the appointment of Rambi Ayala, a non Waja man, into the Waja traditional council.
They appreciated the Bala Waja for bestowing the prestigious title on a worthy son of Gombe State saying, the royal father will never regret this decision because Rambi is known for hardwork, philanthropy and generally committed to the development of not only Tangale/Waja area but Gombe State as a whole.
According to Dr. Mohammed Ismaila, “Our son you appointed ‘Sarkin Bai’ is very hardworking and worthy of the title and I assure you that he will never shame you”.
On his part, Abubakar Sadiq, the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, “Rambi has been a commited legislature who knows his onions”, assuring the people that he will never disappoint them in any capacity he has been assigned.
In response, the Bala Waja, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Danjuma Mohammad, appreciated the powerful delegation that filled his Palace to capacity, stressing that, the appointment of Sarkin Bai on Rambi Ayala was a deliberate one aimed at equipping the Chiefdom with wise council members.
“I expect good advice from you for the development of our people and I pray God to help you in this new position. You are now among my advisers”, the Bala Waja pointed out.
In Hausa culture, the traditional title “Sarkin Bai” literally means “King of Wealth” or “Leader of Prosperity.” The title is often bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, financial success, or philanthropic efforts.
It acknowledges their contribution to the economic well-being and prosperity of their community. It is a title of respect and authority, often bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, wisdom, and community service.
This title therefore signifies that the holder is a generous and benevolent leader, who brings blessings and prosperity to their community.
In Kano Emirate for instance, Sarkin Bai is a title reserved exclusively for the leader of the Dambazawa Clan. Whoever is chosen as Sarkin Ban Kano automatically becomes the leader of the Danbazawa clan, the Secretary of the Kano King makers Council and District head of Danbatta local Government.
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