Matawalle Attends Historic Book Launch, Title Conferment in Argungu
Matawalle Attends Historic Book Launch, Title Conferment in Argungu
Matawalle Attends Historic Book Launch, Title Conferment in Argungu
The former Governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was among dignitaries who attended a book launch and turbaning ceremony held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Argungu.
The book, titled “A Kingdom in Crisis: Kabi in the Nineteenth Century,” provides an in-depth historical account of the Kabi Kingdom before the advent of colonial rule. It explores the kingdom’s challenges and transformations, particularly during two major historical events—the 1804 jihad led by Usmanu Danfodiyo and the European colonial incursions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The publication traces the origins of the Kabi Kingdom under the Songhai Empire in the 16th century and highlights its evolution into a prominent independent Hausa state. It also examines the kingdom’s relations with other Hausa polities such as Gobir, Yawuri, Katsina, and Zamfara.
The author further details internal conflicts and succession disputes that led to the relocation of the capital from Surame to Birnin Kabi, weakening the kingdom ahead of the Sokoto jihad and resulting in territorial losses. It also documents efforts to revive the kingdom through the formation of a confederation known as “Rikon Kabi,” which resisted jihadist advances before eventually falling under British and French colonial control.
The book was authored by the late Muhammad Bello Alkali, a renowned historian and political figure who served as Secretary to the Government of the old Sokoto State and was a founding leader of the NRC in the state. He passed away on January 8, 2016.
As part of the event, Matawalle also witnessed the turbaning of 45 title holders, including his son, Abduljalal Bello Matawalle, who was conferred with the traditional title of “Ubandawakin Kabi” by the Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera.
The ceremony, held at the Emir’s palace, was attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris; the Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar Tafida; and senators Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, Adamu Muhammad Alieru, and Yahaya Abdullahi, alongside other government officials and political stakeholders from within and outside the state.
The event underscored the enduring importance of history, culture, and traditional institutions in preserving Nigeria’s heritage.
Matawalle Attends Historic Book Launch, Title Conferment in Argungu
