Featured
Tinubu: The Story Behind The Title “Jagaban”
By Judith Ukoh
The title “Jagaban” is synonymous with the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The name Jagaban has gained prominence among his followers and even fellow political allies. The question here is how the moniker stuck on the President.
Herein, Prince Yahaya Haliru Dantoro tells Eko Hot Blog the tale of how the title Jagaban was bestowed on the President.
EDITOR’S PICKS
According to Prince Yahaya, the title was bestowed on Tinubu by his father, the late Emir of Borgu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro lll.
Jagaban literally translates to chief of warriors. It can mean a leader, strongman, or a person who has influence in the community. It was coined from the chieftaincy title bestowed on Tinubu in Borgu Town of Niger state- “Ja a gabar borgu” which means “the leader of Borgu land or in the Yoruba Language the “Asiwaju of Borgu land”.
You may wonder why a Yoruba man would receive a chieftaincy title from an Emir from northwest Nigeria. The ensuing story told by Prince Yahaya is a tale of loyalty and gratitude.
Late Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro III
On 26th February 2006, the first-class emir turbaned Tinubu with the titles of Jagaban of Borgu.
Although the late emir and Tinubu belonged to different political parties, they had common interests and shared mutual respect for one another.
A time came when there was a power tussle of kingship in the government, Tinubu, gaining knowledge of some information, allied with the emir and warned him about opposing views. Tinubu supported him in his legal sojourn in the tussle.
So, when he became the Emir of Borgu, he honoured Tinubu because, according to him, he was there when he was in dire need of help.
FURTHER READING
One thing is certain. The title “Jagaban” commands respect and is to be revered.
Click to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
