Kumbwada, the only Female-led kingdom in Northern Nigeria
We have read about the historical exploits of traditional women such as Queen Amina of Zazzau, Moremi Ajasoro of Ile-Ife, Orompoto of Oyo Empire, and the Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ social order; a women-only movement in South-East, Nigeria. Today, we focus on Kumbwada, a kingdom in Northern Nigeria ruled only by a woman. Enjoy, and learn about the culture of this society.
Kumbwada is an ancient kingdom in Niger State, the northern part of Nigeria. It is inhabited by over 33,000 people who are mostly farmers and traders. Since its conquest by Princess Magajiya Maimuna of Zaria, who ruled the people for 83 years, Kumbwada has been ruled by women. Oral history by locals revealed that women have ruled the kingdom for at least six successive generations.
Kumbwada is currently ruled by Hajiya Haidzatu Ahmed and her court. The Queen’s royal title is inherited on the maternal side of the family, and her daughter, Idris, is her successor. The previous queen who is Queen Hajiya’s grandmother ruled for 73 years until her 113th year on earth.
Traditional men in the society have tried to alter the women-only rule in Kumbwada to no avail. According to Queen Hajiya, her father, who intended to succeed her mother, the past queen was not successful in his ordeals.
In Nigeria, we are frequently drawn to reports bordering around the under-representation of women in the north, but this time, the Kumbwada kingdom serves as an exception. Hajiya Haidzatu Ahmed and successive queens have made efforts to reverse the situation and ensure that women be educated, and given opportunities to be relevant in the community.
The loyalty, support and adoration showered on Hajiya Ahmed and her ruling council by the Kumbwada society proves the effectiveness and fairness of her leadership style in the remote Kumbwada community.
A handful of the queen’s male subjects are led by the village’s imam, Musa Muhammad, who is also submissive and pays homage to the throne.
What other female-led society can you point to in Nigeria?