By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
The sarautan Sarkin fawa of Lokoja (Head of Butchers) in Lokoja, have a long history date back to 1870.
The butchers in Lokoja live in a quarter named after their profession, unguwan Fawa in present ward D, Lokoja Local Goverment area in Kogi state.
The whole Hausa butchers who dominated the profession according to history, are from two towns,Garko and Bebeji in present Kano State.
The early butchers who settled in Lokoja, led by Sarkin fawa Ibrahim Namiji ,Who reigned between 1870 – 1905, who came from Garko in Kano State, attracted his kinsmen mainly Garko and Bebeji,in Kano State.
That’s why we have Hausas from Kano not only monopolizing the profession, for centuries, but head it by the two group in what was described as unwritten constitutional rotation.
Unlike fishing, which we’ve Kakanda and Nupe dominating the occupation,the buthery profession is dominated by Hausas.
According to reliable source, one Late Yau baban Garba from Kano, was the first Hausa man to introduced a Yaruba man in the profession in Lokoja,as an errand boy
According to history,the Sarkin fawa (title) of Lokoja rotates between the two groups: GARKO AND BEBEJI dates back to the reigned of early Chief of Lokoja.
SARKIN FAWA OF LOKOJA AND THE YEARS THEY REIGNED
Sarkin fawa Ibrahim(Garko) he reigned between 1870-1905.
Muhammadu Na-Bebeji (Bebeji) 1905- 1923.
Usman Namade( Garko) 1923-1934.
Others are; Muhammadu Mai Karfin Baji(Bebeji) 1948-1956
Muhammadu Dan Dodo ( Garko)1956- 1960 and Muhammadu Dan Kaka( Bebeji) 1960- 1973
Alhaji Muhammad Ginsau ( Garko) 1973- August 24, 2000
After the dead of Sarkin fawa Ginsau in August 2000, there was a conflict of interest and power tustle among the two groups Over succession.
This conflict lasted for five years when a late Musa Alin Galadima,whose father slugged it out or competed with late Gisau in 1973 but stepped down due to the intervention of elders,like late maiunguwa Nasidi, late Alhaji Salisu Inusa and Sheikh Malam Ibrahim Najirgi was seen as independent candidate.
Late Musa Alin Galadima,as an independent candidate was selected by a committee set up by HRH the Maigari of Lokoja.
The committee based on the submittion of the supporters of the two contenders ,late Alhaji Idi Gisau and late Alhaji Mahmuda that recommended Late Alhaji Musa Alin Galadima from Garko in 2005-2021.
Late musa’s appointment was viewed by many as a compensation for his late father’s adherance to the advised by elders to step down for Late Alh Muhammadu Gisau as far back as in 1973.
Less than 48 hours after the demised of SARKIN fawa Musa, TheAnalystNG observed that some have signified their intentions to secceed late Alhaji Musa Alin Galadima who passed away on Friday 11,June 2021.
The question at the lips of stakeholders in the butchering professions are;
WHO WOULD SUCCEED LATE ALHAJI MUSA ALIN GALADIMA?
WILL THE 2000 SCENARIO AND POWER TUSTLE AMONG PRESENT SARKIN FAWA ASPIRANTS PLAY, WHERE THE STOOL REMAIN VACATE FOR FIVE YEARS DUE TO POLITICS OF EGOCENTRISM?Only time would tell.
Musa Tanimu Nasidi,is a journalist,he writes from Lokoja.
