Crisis Brews In Zazzau Emirate As Ex-Waziri Petitions Kaduna Assembly Over Emir’s Seat

The deposed Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad-Aminu, has petitioned the Kaduna State House of Assembly, seeking the reversal of the appointment of Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.

In the petition addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru-Liman, the former Waziri accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of imposing Bamalli as Emir of Zazzau in November 2020, in what he described as a clear violation of Zazzau Emirate’s traditions and the state’s legal framework.

According to Muhammad-Aminu, the selection process carried out by the Emirate’s kingmakers strictly adhered to native customs. However, the outcome of that process was allegedly ignored.

“The current Emir, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, was not among the nominees submitted to the state government. His selection was an imposition by the former governor, a move that disrespected our traditions, customs, and the law,” the petitioner asserted.

“The candidates nominated by the kingmakers were Alhaji Bashir Aminu (Iyan Zazzau), Alhaji Muhammad Munir Ja’afaru (then Yariman Zazzau), and Aminu Shehu Idris (Turakin Zazzau),” the petition stated.

Muhammad-Aminu cited Kaduna State Gazette No. 9 Vol. 54, dated October 7, 2020, as the legal reference guiding the appointment of traditional rulers in the state. He argued that the disregard for the gazetted provisions and traditional norms in the selection process has left a deep wound in the Emirate.

As at press time, the Kaduna State House of Assembly was yet to issue any official response to the petition.