Nineteen traditional rulers, including district and ward heads, from Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State have resigned their positions, aligning themselves with Senator Ibrahim Lamido. The mass resignation is seen as a significant political shift in the region.
Among those stepping down are the ward heads of Sabon Birnin Gabas, Tsilba, Sabon Garin Danbaki, Magajin Dawakin, Dan Faru, Zumbuli, Dawakin, Kanwuri, Hande, Sabon Fegi, Tudun Dankusu, and Alhazzai, among others. This move comes just weeks after the District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Bawa, also resigned from his position.
Bawa, who served as district head for over a decade, announced his resignation in a letter dated October 16, 2024. In the letter, he explained his decision to step down, stating: “I was appointed as district head of Sabon Birni on July 15, 2014, and I am resigning to align myself with the political movement of Senator Ibrahim Lamido.”
Alhaji Lauwali Shuaibu, the ward head of Taka-Tsaba, voiced his frustration about how their resignations were handled, saying, “We have submitted our resignation letters, but no one has reached out to understand our grievances.” He emphasized that their decision was fueled by Senator Lamido’s consistent efforts to protect and uplift the community, particularly during attacks by bandits.
“Senator Lamido has always come to our aid when our people were under attack,” Shuaibu said, explaining that their public support for him is an endorsement of his continued good work for their communities.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alhaji Jamilu Gwanda Gobir, the Ubandoman Sarkin Gobir, and one of the most senior traditional rulers to resign, said that the resignation of 10 other traditional leaders under his jurisdiction was a coordinated effort to preserve the interests of the Gobir district.
“I have served as Ubandoma for nine years, and our positions are now vacant. But we are committed to supporting only leaders who prioritize the welfare of our people,” Gobir declared.
The resignations leave a vacuum in the traditional leadership structure of Sabon Birni, but those who resigned say their loyalty now lies with politicians like Senator Lamido, who have proven their dedication to improving the well-being of their constituents. As the dust settles, the political landscape in Sokoto State could face further changes as these former rulers continue to lend their support to the senator.
