The Boi Progressive Association’s National Youth Wing, representing the Ayaa community in Bauchi State, has formally withdrawn its support for the proposed Sayawa chiefdom, opting to remain under the established Bauchi Emirate. This decision, endorsed by the community’s elders, reflects a deep-seated commitment to preserving their unique cultural heritage and historical ties with the Emirate. The youth wing emphasized that this was not a rejection of the Sayawa people’s aspirations for their own chiefdom but rather an affirmation of the Ayaa people’s distinct identity and historical connection to the Bauchi Emirate.
The Ayaa community traces its history back centuries, predating the establishment of formalized traditional leadership structures. Their traditional leadership, established in 1820 as a Hamlet Head under Yakubun Bauchi and later elevated to a Village Area in 1882 under Sarkin Bauchi Hassan II, solidifies a relationship with the Bauchi Emirate spanning over 143 years. This long-standing affiliation forms the bedrock of their decision to remain within the Emirate’s structure, preserving their cultural identity and historical continuity. While acknowledging and respecting the creation of the Sayawa chiefdom, the Ayaa community asserts its right to maintain its historical and cultural ties.
The decision to remain under the Bauchi Emirate aligns with the modalities established by Governor Bala Mohammed, which afforded non-Sayawa-speaking communities the autonomy to choose their affiliation. This provision empowered the Ayaa community, through its Council of Elders, to make a collective and informed decision reflecting their historical and cultural realities. They emphasize that this decision should not be misinterpreted as opposition to the Sayawa people’s pursuit of their own chiefdom, a quest they have consistently supported. Instead, they view it as an exercise of their own right to self-determination, preserving their cultural heritage and historical ties.
The Ayaa community’s decision is not merely a preservation of the past but also a forward-looking strategy for future development. They believe that remaining under the Bauchi Emirate provides a stable and familiar framework within which they can pursue their social and economic aspirations. By maintaining this established connection, they aim to foster a conducive environment for growth and development, ensuring the preservation of their cultural heritage while actively participating in the broader community. Their appeal to Governor Mohammed for their own separate chiefdom is not a contradiction but a complementary aspiration, aiming to further solidify their identity and create a dedicated platform for their community’s advancement.
The Ayaa community’s appeal to Governor Bala Mohammed for a separate Boi Ayaa chiefdom is not a rejection of the Sayawa chiefdom, but rather a parallel pursuit of self-determination. They believe that the establishment of their own chiefdom will further enhance peace and stability in the region, providing a dedicated framework for addressing their specific needs and aspirations. This, they argue, will create an environment conducive to economic growth, social development, and the preservation of their rich cultural heritage. They envision their own chiefdom as a platform for greater autonomy and focused development, enabling them to better manage their affairs and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region.
In conclusion, the Boi Progressive Association’s National Youth Wing, in alignment with the Boi Council of Elders, has chosen to remain under the Bauchi Emirate, prioritizing the preservation of their unique cultural heritage and historical ties. This decision, made within the framework provided by Governor Mohammed, reflects their commitment to self-determination and their belief that remaining within the Bauchi Emirate best serves their community’s long-term interests. Their concurrent appeal for a separate Boi Ayaa chiefdom underscores their desire for greater autonomy and focused development, which they believe will further contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They view this not as a divisive action but as a complementary step towards a more inclusive and representative traditional leadership structure.
