The Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Ali Ɗahiru Zungeru, has died, throwing the Hausa community in Ibadan and parts of Oyo State into mourning. His death was confirmed on Monday evening by members of the Hausa community in the city.
Alhaji Zungeru, who was the recognised traditional leader of the Hausa people living in Ibadanland, reportedly died on Monday evening after a brief illness. Details surrounding the cause of his death were not made public as of the time of filing this report.
A reliable source within the Hausa community in the Sabo area of Ibadan confirmed the development. The source said the late Sarkin Hausawa would be buried on Tuesday in line with Islamic rites.
“Yes, the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland is dead,” the source said. “He died this Monday evening. He will be buried in Sabo today (Tuesday).”
The death of Alhaji Zungeru has come as a shock to many, especially as he was turbaned only a few months ago. His installation as Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland was seen as a continuation of a long family tradition of leadership within the Hausa community in the city.
Alhaji Ali Dahiru Zungeru succeeded his elder brother, Alhaji Ahmadu Dahiru Zungeru, who previously held the title of Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland before his death. The Zungeru family has played a prominent role in the leadership of the Hausa community in Ibadan for decades.
Their late father, Alhaji Dahiru Zungeru, was also a former Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland. This made Alhaji Ali Dahiru Zungeru part of a respected line of traditional leaders who have helped guide and unite the Hausa people living in Ibadan.
The title of Sarkin Hausawa is a traditional leadership position recognised among Hausa communities across southern Nigeria. The Sarkin Hausawa serves as the head of the Hausa people in a particular city or region, acting as a link between the community, traditional rulers of the host community, and government authorities.
In Ibadan, the Sarkin Hausawa plays an important role in maintaining peace, settling disputes, promoting unity, and protecting the cultural and social interests of the Hausa people, many of whom are traders, artisans, and businessmen.
The Sabo area of Ibadan, where the late Sarkin Hausawa lived and will be buried, is a major settlement for Hausa residents in the city. For decades, Sabo has served as a cultural and commercial centre for Hausa people in Ibadan, with markets, mosques, and community institutions.
Community leaders described Alhaji Zungeru as a calm and humble man who was committed to peace and unity. Although his reign was short, many said he showed dedication to the responsibilities of his office and worked closely with elders and youth leaders.
“He was a man who respected tradition and listened to advice,” a community elder said. “Even though he was Sarkin for a short time, he showed good character and concern for the people.”
The news of his death spread quickly across Ibadan on Monday night, with many residents visiting the Sabo area to sympathise with the Zungeru family and the Hausa community.
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is one of Nigeria’s largest cities and home to people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Over the years, Hausa residents have lived peacefully alongside their Yoruba hosts, contributing to trade, transportation, and other economic activities.
Traditional leaders like the Sarkin Hausawa play a key role in maintaining harmony in such diverse settings. They help resolve internal disputes, represent their people in discussions with local authorities, and encourage peaceful coexistence with other communities.
The death of the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland comes at a time when traditional institutions continue to serve as important pillars of community leadership, especially in urban areas with diverse populations.
Many residents believe that the values of dialogue, respect, and unity promoted by leaders like Alhaji Zungeru are crucial for maintaining peace in multi-ethnic cities like Ibadan.
As tributes continue to pour in, elders have urged the community to remain calm and united, in keeping with the legacy of the late Sarkin Hausawa.
“He always preached peace and understanding,” another source said. “The best way to honour him is to continue living in peace with our neighbours.”
Alhaji Ali Dahiru Zungeru is survived by family members, relatives, and a large community that respected him as their leader. His death marks the end of a chapter in the leadership history of the Hausa community in Ibadanland.
As preparations are made for his burial in Sabo, many residents are expected to gather to pay their last respects and pray for the repose of his soul.
May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort the family and community he has left behind.