CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction:

The traditional title of Magajin Gari is used only in some part of Hausa land such as Sokoto, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara States. However in other parts of Hausaland, the functions of the Magajin Gari were performed by the Galadima, it was Sultan Muhammad Bello, who in the early 1820s first created the office of the Magajin Garin in Sokoto. 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. Magajin Gari 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 Sarkin Maska. 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 Magajin Gari title was introduced in Funtua. The MagajinGariassists the District head (Sarkin Maska) 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 Magajin Gari continued to play a crucial role in the administrative set-up in Funtua district.

1.2: Statement of the Problem:

The office of Magajin Garin Funtua has been an important institution in the district of Funtua local government with a rich history. A number of scholars like Nasiru Nasiha, 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 Magajin Garin Funtua.

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.