The traditional title system in the Katsina Emirate dates back to the era of the Habe rulers of Katsina. The Habe rule is believed to have begun during the reign of Muhammadu Korau (1348–1398). It was during this period that traditional titles were established in Katsina, with each title having its own specific role.
The title of Gwagware is one of the titles created during that time. It belongs to the category of military titles within the Katsina Emirate, which include titles such as Kaura, Magayaki, Uban Dawaki, Lihidda, and Gwagware, among others.
After the Jihad of Usman dan Fodio in the 19th century, Umarun Dallaje became the Emir of Katsina in 1807. From that time, he strengthened many of the traditional titles inherited from the Habe rulers. The title of Gwagware remained one of the important military titles that continued to exist even after the Jihad in Katsina.
Notable Holders of the Title “Gwagware” in Katsina
1. GWAGWARE ABU
According to Professor Mannir Darna in his book Tarihin Unguwannin Birnin Katsina, Gwagware Abu was originally a Basullube from Kanwa, located west of Katsina. When he arrived in Katsina, he first settled in Unguwar Sullubawa before later moving to Yar’adua.
He was a brave warrior and hero who fought in many battles during the Dalkazawa era. Historical accounts state that during one of these battles, he was killed by the forces of Kaura Hasau of Maradi. It is said that after cutting him with swords without success, they strangled him with a turban until he died. His grave is believed to be located in Tambola in Jibia, where the battle took place. Some of his children included Gwarere Iguda and Husaini.
THE TITLE DURING THE SULLUBAWA (DIKKO) DYNASTY
Historical records indicate that after the Dalkazawa period, the title of Gwagware remained vacant for a long time until the Sullubawa (Dikko) dynasty. During the reign of Muhammadu Kabir Usman, Malam Dikko Radda was appointed as Gwagwaren Katsina in 2007.
2. GWAGWAREN KATSINA – MALAM DIKKO RADDA (PhD)
Malam Dikko Radda was born in 1969 in Katsina State. He obtained:
NCE from Kafanchan College of Education (1990)
B.Tech in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (1996)
MSc in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
PhD from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
He began his career as a teacher before moving into banking and public administration. He served as Chairman of Charanchi Local Government, Chief of Staff to former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, Director General of SMEDAN, and APC National Welfare Secretary.
He was elected Governor of Katsina State on March 18, 2023, and sworn in on May 29, 2023. He was turbaned as Gwagwaren Katsina in 2007 by the Emir, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Kabir Usman.
3. GWAGWAREN KATSINA – MUHAMMAD DIKKO RADDA
Muhammad Dikko Radda, the son of Dikko Radda (PhD), was born in 2005. He completed his primary education at Gateway International School Kano in 2015 and his secondary education at Capital Science Secondary School, Abuja in 2021.
In 2023, he gained admission into Dalhousie University, where he is currently studying Engineering.
On April 17, 2025, the Katsina Emirate created six new districts, including Radda District in Charanchi Local Government Area.
As a result, the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, approved the appointment of Alhaji Muhammad Dikko Radda as the first District Head (Hakimi) of Radda, conferring on him the title of Gwagwaren Katsina, Hakimin Radda, on August 2, 2025.
Alhaji Musa Gambo Kofar Soro
