Fresh tension is brewing between the Katsina State Government under Dr Dikko Umar Radda and the Katsina Emirate Council led by His Royal Highness, Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman over an alleged plan to create new emirates in the state.
The renewed friction follows an alleged controversial proposal for the creation of new emirates, as well as disagreement over the appointment of district heads. Sources suggested that both issues had become flashpoints in an increasingly delicate relationship between the emir and the government.
At the centre of the current storm is a purported letter addressed to the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, allegedly from a group calling itself ‘Movement for the Creation of New Emirates.’
The group is led by one Salisu Idris Funtua. However, attempts to contact the group were unsuccessful.
The letter, which surfaced on the social media, called for the creation of seven new emirates, namely: Kurfi, Dankama, Maska, Dallazawa, Yandakawa, Sullubawa, and Danejawa, all of them from the existing Katsina Emirate.
They referenced the Kurfi region, now a local government area, which currently lacks a second or third-class emir. According to them, Kurfi was once an independent state that received directives from Shehu Danfodio.
Again, they highlighted an event from the colonial period when Governor Frederick Lugard appointed Kaura Amah Sarauta as a warrior to protect Dankama from invaders. However, Kaura Amah reportedly refused, insisting on maintaining his warrior status.
The proponents believe his title should be reinstated, even if only as a third-class emir.
The supporters of the group also argued that the Maska region deserved its own independent ruler, citing the historical significance of Sarkin Maska, a contemporary of Emir Muhammadu Korau, the first Muslim ruler of Katsina.
Likewise, the supporters of the new emirates noted that Malumfashi and Kafur merited a ranking king given their historical and cultural status, particularly the contributions of Malam Dudi, the lineage or descendants of Danejawa in establishing these areas. They alleged that the Katsina Emirate was unique for having only a single-ranking king.
According to them, historical accounts also highlight the legacy of Ummarun Dallaje, Malam Na Alhaji and Ummarun Duniyawa, who received flags from Shehu Danfodio and ruled distinct regions before the colonial powers forced their unification under one emir.
The advocates argued that the original structure should be restored, with one king maintaining the primary rank while the other two serve as second-ranking rulers, specifically for the Yandakawa region and Ummarun Duniyawa, who first settled in Zaandam.
‘We have been advocating the creation of emirate/kingdom’
Expressing support for the proposed restructuring, Malam Ibrahim, a resident of Funtua, said, “We have always wanted an emir in this area, considering its historical significance. We believe we should either be granted a first-class emir or have the district head of Sarkin Maska elevated to a ruling status, wielding the sword, not merely serving as a district head.”
However, challenging the proponents, a resident of Katsina, who gave his name as Alhaji Usman said, “This is merely an attempt to divide the community, not to foster unity. Have those advocating this change considered the turmoil surrounding the emirate conflict in neighbouring Kano State? How can we expect a smooth transition here if there is stalemate in Kano?
“If they wish to reference history, then let’s discuss restoring Hausa rule as they were the first to govern Katsina before the arrival of the Fulani. Unity and territorial exchanges have defined our past. For instance, Yandoto was once under Katsina, and Kankara belonged to Zamfara. These shifts occurred during Emir Dikko’s reign. If history is our guide, then every region should reclaim its former position.
“Again, when was Funtua founded? Who created Sabuwa? Similarly, in the Daura region, shouldn’t kingship return to Zango town, where the true foundation lies?”
We’ve the letter with us – Katsina Assembly
Despite questions about its authenticity, the state House of Assembly has confirmed receipt of the letter.
“It is not unusual. Anyone can petition the House. It is up to the lawmakers to determine if it merits legislative attention,” Aminu Magaji, the spokesperson for the Speaker said.
Weekend Trust reports that the petition has reignited old concerns over the alleged plan to balkanise Katsina Emirate, a rumour that first surfaced in June 2023 but was later debunked by both the government and the emirate.
Is Katsina govt interested in the game plan?
On whether the state government is interested in the plan, a source who spoke anonymously said, “I suspect that this movement has ties with political figures or the government itself.
“This issue did not arise until after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the state recently, which coincided with the emir’s attendance of the wedding Fatiha of the governor’s daughter.
“Recall that a letter recently surfaced demanding punishment for the emir, alleging that his courtiers broke a door
while the wedding Fatiha was ongoing. The controversy stemmed from the president’s security team barring his entrance, claiming that the meeting had already started and the door was closed.
“Another revealing detail is that since his ascension, the emir has refrained from conducting the traditional tours undertaken by his predecessors,” he said.
‘Emir’s request for new district heads rejected’
Insiders suggest that the latest dispute may have deeper roots, tied to the emirate’s recent request for approval to create new districts and appoint new district heads. The request was allegedly rejected by the state government.
A letter dated April 17, 2025, reportedly from the Katsina Emirate Council to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), proposed the creation of several new districts and the appointment of district heads. Among those listed were Muhammad Dikko Radda, the son of the governor and two sons of the emir – Ahmad and Umar Abdulmumini Kabir Usman.
Government sources told Weekend Trust that the state rejected the proposal and instead sent back its own list of preferred nominees.
One of the sources said the emirate saw the action as an “encroachment” on its traditional autonomy.
Not the first time
This is not the first time tensions have surfaced. In June 2024, the state government reportedly queried the Emir of Katsina over the absence of some district heads during the Eid-el-Kabir durbar. The issue was widely reported by both the legacy and the social media and no rebuttal till date.
The letter, signed by the Director of Administration in the SSG’s office, asked the emirate to explain the non-participation of some officials. There were suggestions that the target was not the Emir of Katsina but some district heads.
That move also sparked public debate, especially as it came amid similar controversies in Kano and Sokoto, where state governments clashed with traditional rulers. In Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was reinstated after a change in the emirate law, while in Sokoto, at least 15 district heads were removed before Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly intervened, warning against attempts to undermine the Sultan.
Historical ties, political undertones
Analysts noted that Emir Kabir Usman publicly supported Governor Radda during the 2023 elections, citing kinship ties.
During the Eid-el-Fitr durbar earlier this year, Governor Radda emphasized the importance of tradition and indirectly criticised district heads who shunned the Sallah festivities.
“If the emir, despite his age, can ride in the durbar, then every district head must participate. Any village head that refuses must be ready to lose his turban,” the governor said.
A former Majority Leader of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Liti Yankwani, advised the governor to steer clear of distractions and focus on insecurity, hunger and unemployment. He recalled a similar move during the reign of the current emir’s father, which was shelved after the emir expressed concerns about unity.
“If the goal is to restore long-lost ruling houses, that’s within reason. But it is not for the masses to push for new emirates,” he said.
On his part, a Katsina-born social critic, Mahdi Shehu, alleged via his verified X account that a “cold war” had been ongoing between the Emir of Katsina and Governor Radda for over six months. He claimed that the governor aimed to restructure the emirate, empower detractors of the emir and create new districts.
Among the proposed changes, according to Shehu, is the creation of a new title of Ubangarin Katsina from the current Katsina District and the creation of new districts, including Radda (the governor’s hometown), Dankama and Dandagoro.
No feud with the emirate – Government
Despite the ongoing controversy, the Katsina State Government insists that there is no rift between it and the emirate. The director-general, media and publicity to the governor, Malam Maiwada Danmallam, described the matter as “a distraction fuelled by crisis entrepreneurs.”
“Government has the constitutional power to appoint or remove district heads and even restructure emirates without resorting to decoys or petitions,” Danmallam said.
He accused unnamed individuals close to the emirate of creating “fake documents and false narratives” to sow discord between the royal institution and the government.
All efforts to get a comment from the Katsina Emirate Council were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
