CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1: Introduction:

The traditional title of Magajingari is used only in some part of Hausa land such as Sokoto, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara States1. However in other parts of Hausa land, the functions of the MagajinGari were performed by the Galadima, it was Sultan Muhammad Bello, who in the early 1820s first created the office of the MagajinGari in Sokoto.2 The office was introduced among others to assist in the supervision and the administration, as well as to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the metropolis. MagajinGari is among the most important advisers of the Sultan in matters that include administration and finance.3

Funtua was the Headquarter of Maska district which headed by the SarkinMaska. Maska town is a few kilometres away from Funtua, it from it from there, the colonial rulers transferred the traditional title to Funtua. In 1915, the MagajinGari title was introduced in Funtua. The MagajinGariassists the District head (SarkinMaska) in matters relating to the economic, political, social and religious affairs of the district. With the coming of British colonial masters, the roles of traditional institution declined, but the office of the MagajinGari continued to play a crucial role in the administrative set-up in Funtua district.4

1.2: Statement of the Problem:

The office of MagajinGarinFuntua has been an important institution in the district of Funtua local government with a rich history. A number of scholars like NasiruNasiha, who wrote “The History of SarakunanMaska”, Ibrahim Haruna and DahiruCommassie, have wrote on the history of Funtua but little has been written on the palace of MagajinGarinFuntua.

1.3: Significance of the Study:

The significance of this research work lies in the fact that where as it is nearly a century since the establishment of the palace of Village Head.