Tangale Rulers

A report on the history of the Tangale people submitted to the Tangale Traditional Council by a committee set up under Mr. Joshua Usman states that eleven “Mai Tangalem Kude” ruled the Tangale people before the coming of the Europeans in 1904.

Below is the genealogical tree chart of the Tangale Ruling Houses (Miyem Ma Mai), showing the chronology of ascension to power from the 13th century. The chart, developed by Tangale historian Ankruma NHS, is based on the work of A. B. Mathews, NAK/BAUPRO/31B, “Pagan Administration, Tangale-Waja District,” page 7.

Credit: Ankruma, NHS, in his book, ‘Reconstructing African Past: Sources and Prospects of Tangale History,’ First Edition, 2005, page 174.

The genealogical tree above was used to develop the table below, containing the list of the 15 Mais who ruled Tangale land, beginning with Mai Giu in 1295.

SUMMARIES OF THE TANGALE RULERS (MAI TANGLES)

The summaries of the first ten past Tangale rulers (Mai Tangles) were made from the 2012 Master’s degree thesis of the Tangale historian, Hussaini Sariel Ankruma. His work is based on the undergraduate theses of Sailer (1980), Yelyel (1976), and Maikano (1975), among other works.

The summaries of the last five rulers, from Mai Wana to Mai Abdu Buba Maisheru II, were adapted from the book Our Pride: The Makers and Builders of Tangale, Vol. 1 by Titus Usman Banganje.

MAI GIU (1ST MAI TANGLE)

Mai Kiu (Giu), who began his reign in 1295, is generally regarded as the first ruler over the united Tangale people, particularly because of his ability to unify the once-scattered Tangale people (Biliri, Tai, Kalmai, Todi, Banganje, Tanglang, and Nathe) into one political unit, with its centre in Biliri.

To become the unified ruler, Mai Giu, who was from the Biliri clan, had to contest with another candidate from the Bekeri family, from another clan, through the casting of the spear. The spear-casting contest was intended to demonstrate the strength and authority of the ruling house, since, at that time in the 13th century, the spear was regarded as a sophisticated weapon for war and hunting.

According to tradition, Giu’s spear was able to stick into the target spot, a black portion of the inselberg on the hill, whereas his opponent’s spear did not.

Giu died in about 1360 after ruling the Tangale people from the centre in Billiri. His period ushered in the era of the Mais’ leadership over the seven-clan units.

MAI TANGAL (2ND MAI TANGLE)

Mai Tangal ruled Tangale land from 1360 to 1445. He succeeded Mai Giu after a selection process by members of the Biliri ruling family in 1360. It is held that the Tangale people got their name from this ruler — “Tangal, le,” meaning, “Hi Tangal.”

Soon after his ascension, Mai Tangal continued the reorganization of the Tangale people into the present form of seven clans under his political leadership. He strengthened his grip over the kingdom, encouraged patriotism, and strengthened socio-economic and religious activities. His influence was felt in the Gongola-Benue sub-region to the extent of attracting more people to the area.

Under his rule, the process of political ascendancy of the Biliri ruling house over the rest of the clans became complete, leading to the coinage of the term miyem-ma-mai (ruling house).

In his effort to consolidate power at the centre, Mai Tangal introduced administrative and judicial councils. These included Ponar, Kwipandi-Ana-Mai, Pobune, Kwadiyo, and Mai Kwagan.

Ponar

Summoned twice a year, Ponar was the highest policy-making body of the kingdom, where policies and matters were deliberated upon and decisions were taken. It was considered sacred, strategic, and highly revered, and any policy or resolution passed there remained binding on all persons and bodies affected. Members of the council included Mai Biliri (Chairman), Mai Tal, Mai Kalmai, Mai Banganje, Mai Tanglang, and Mai Todi.

Kwipandi-Ana-Mai

This was a security council where issues discussed were specifically related to war, peace, and the security of the land. All the lesser Mais were members of this council, and it was presided over by Mai Tangle. Tradition has it that whenever there was war and the enemies wanted a ceasefire, the information usually went to Mai Tangle through Mai Todi, who, in turn, informed Mai Tangle through his special-duty minister, called Mai Kantilang.

The Mai Tangle passed the order for the commencement of the Kwipandi-Ana-Mai Council meeting through Mai Kantilang, who informed the lesser Mais of the Council meeting date.

Kwadiyo

This was a sectional council that dealt with minor socio-political and judicial matters that had a direct bearing on the people of the Biliri clan. It was sectional because other clans were not involved. The Mai Tangle (Mai Yelli), who wore another crown as Mai Biliri, presided over the council. The council was summoned whenever there was a need. Apart from the Mai, other council members were the heads of the lineages that comprised the Biliri clan area or settlement.

Pobune

Pobune was a regional council specifically meant to tackle sectional issues, such as conflicts among the three clans of Kalmai, Banganje, and Tanglang. The council was presided over by Mai Kalmai, except in cases involving land, serious crime, or other sensitive matters, which were referred to Ponar.

Special sessions of Pobune, however, were presided over by Mai Tangle (Mai Yelli) when he was invited to intervene in difficult cases. For example, this included cases involving the restitution of captives taken away by the Jukuns or Fulani.

Mai-Kwagam

This was a Tangale judicial institution that handled judicial matters at the centre. The council was usually convened to address matters that were not settled at the lower level. The formation of Mai-Kwagam was said to have been accentuated by the fear that criminal and civil cases of high magnitude, such as murder, could cause serious inter-clan or inter-family encounters if they were not handled by the Mai Tangle himself through such a judicial process. The members of Mai-Kwagam included the Mai Tangle, who was the president and chief judge, and the Mais of Tai and Kalmai.

According to the Tangale History Drafting Committee, in the past, if a person committed murder, intentionally or otherwise, all male members of the offender’s family had to flee from their homes to take refuge with either relatives, friends, or in the Mai Tangle’s residence pending the disposal of the case at Mai-Kwagam. By law (tekki), if the offender and his male relatives fled, no one was allowed to take revenge on them until the case was tried and a verdict was passed at Mai-Kwagam.

To avert feuds and other forms of reaction, restitution was the only punishment in cases of deliberate murder. The verdict, usually a fine, passed at Maikwagam could be in the form of a young person from the murderer’s family being forwarded to the Mai Tangle for onward delivery to the bereaved family, or through the payment of stipulated items, hoe-heads, or cowries, which were used as currency. After payment, the victim’s family members who had fled their homes were free to return to their homes.

Mai Tangal, who died in 1145, left behind a formidable kingdom with a well-developed administrative system and a sustainable ‘economy’ hinged on peace and agriculture.

MAI SOMBORO (3RD MAI TANGLE)

Mai Somboro, who ruled from 1445–1545, became a ruler by cajoling the members of the ruling house (miyem-ma-mai), since he was not from the ruling house but was a member of a house close to the ruling house called Altanga.

Perhaps this happened because there was no competent person in the core ruling house to mount the throne. This assumption is supported by the fact that Somboro ruled for a long time, even though he was not from the ruling house. However, he was said to be articulate and successful in leadership, to the extent that he further strengthened the kingship institution by providing shelter for the kingdom’s chain-like talisman. Somboro’s period witnessed many reactions, discontents, and challenges from the generality of the Tangale people.

Mai Somboro was said to have died in 1505 as a result of poisoning by a suspected member of the ruling family.

After Somboro’s demise, there was a chieftaincy tussle because the ruling house would not allow Somboro’s offspring to rule after him, since Somboro had no right to rule. In the trouble that ensued, the ruling family enjoyed the support of a majority of the Tangale people, especially the Bekeri family, which took a strong position against the Somboro family contesting the throne by urging the Tangale people to support the ruling family’s legitimate struggle against the Somboro family.

The squabbles nearly led to a ‘war’ between the Somboro family and the supporters of the ruling family, who insisted on restoring members of the ruling family to the throne.

As a result, the clan heads and elders of the whole kingdom met and decided that only members of the bona fide Tangale ruling house of miyem-ama-mai had the legitimacy to rule over Tangale.

MAI AKWI (4TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Akwi ruled the land from 1525 to 1605. His tenure marked the first time the Tangale people began to use a royal wreath, which was tied around the ruler’s right arm as a sign of honour. The coronation ceremony in 1525 was performed by a family in Biliri called Kalkulum.

The period of Mai Akwi marked the beginning of contact between the Tangale people and the Jukuns (Kolollo) segment or unit, who began to establish themselves in the northern neighbourhood of the Tangale kingdom. The Jukuns made attempts to conquer parts of the Tangale kingdom as early as the 17th century A.D., but the majority moved on to present-day Taraba State, leaving only a few of them in the Gongola Basin zone. This smaller unit of the Jukun founded the Pindiga Kingdom on the north-western border of the Tangale kingdom.

Akwi is credited with upholding the legacies left by his predecessor, including defending the boundaries of the kingdom and providing internal security, which enabled the people to embark on peaceful economic activities.

MAI WUNI (5TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Wuni reigned from 1700 to 1780. Tradition has it that the Tangale people stayed for up to 20 years without a ruler until he came. It was believed that the spirit of Mai Asunong (the immediate past Mai) had haunted the people, killing individuals who indicated an interest in the throne. The community had to resort to prayers and offerings of sacrifices to overcome Asunong’s spirit.

Mai Wuni was a great warrior who fought to defend Tangale land from its enemies, especially the Jukuns and Pindiga. A prominent example of the wars he fought with Pindiga occurred when the enemies wanted to take over some fertile Tangale land that lay between the borders of the two kingdoms.

According to records, some of the wars were ignited by trade disputes arising from traders on both sides. This continued until the 19th century, when jihad started in the Gongola sub-region under Buba Yero.

MAI MELA (6TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Mela came to power after being selected by the ruling family (miyem-ma-mai). Mai Mela’s period was characterized by a mixture of war and peace. Sporadic clashes took place between Pindiga and Tangale. Tradition has it that there was trade between the people of Pindiga and Tangale, but wars were sometimes ignited by attempts to control the trade routes, especially those that passed through Futuk to Pero and Wurkun areas.

Mai Mela kept the Tangale boundaries intact, and trade in cloth materials and grains between Tangale and the Jukuns, including the Tera people, continued unabated. Mai Mela is credited with maintaining peace, which encouraged trading and the production of Tangale goods such as hoes and household items such as knives, sickles, arrows, and bows.

During his reign, Tangale land experienced raids by the jihadists of the 19th century in the Gongola sub-region, led by the Emir of Gombe, Buba Yero. Mai Mela shifted his focus to defence strategies against the enemies. Pindiga also tried to fight back against the jihad but failed.

To prevent further attacks, Mai Mela sent gifts of cattle to Gombe to woo the Emir and keep him from raiding the northern part of the Tangale kingdom, especially when he got wind of such raids.

At one point, Mai Mela also sent emissaries to Caliph Muhammad Bello (1817–1837) in Sokoto, protesting against Gombe’s behaviour of waging war on parts of Tangale, especially the settlements of Tanglang, Banganje, and Kalmai. The emissaries informed the Caliph that Tangale wanted its independence from Gombe, while maintaining and respecting the good relationship between the two political entities.

MAI DULA (7TH MAI TANGLE)

Yet to be summarized.

MAI ASONNANG (8TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Asonong came to power in 1605 through a selection process conducted by his family (miyem-ma-mai). He was known as a promoter of peace, whose era witnessed internal peace and economic progress, especially in agriculture and industry.

Mai Asonong was, however, said to be a non-observer of rules. It is recorded that, in 1670, towards the end of his reign, he violated a laid-down procedure. He was said to have ordered and participated in a peace treaty with the ‘Shongom people against laid-down procedure and his people’s will. He was said to have gone to the venue, Pandi-up-togor, with only a handful of his core supporters, including Mai Kalmai, but the event turned sour; he and his team were all killed.

According to tradition, the Tangale people suffered many casualties because of their small number at the ceremony. Disobedience to laid-down rules, as well as to the Tangale elders and the ‘spirit’, led to the death of Mai Asonong at a site meant for peace-making. His action was regarded as a taboo, and his death was considered an abomination to the land.

MAI BILAM (9TH MAI TANGLE)

Yet to be summarized.

MAI SHERU (10TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Sheru (the First) was the son of Mai Bilam. He ascended the throne after the demise of his father and ruled Tangale land from 1865–1888.

His reign witnessed attacks from the jihadists. However, determined to preserve the independence of the Tangale kingdom from the Gombe Emirate jihadists, Mai Sheru sent emissaries to the Lamido of Adamawa, Umar Sanda (1873–1890), to prevent him from aligning with the Emir of Gombe, who had continually attacked the northern borders of Tangale. The jihadists continued their attacks despite a directive from the Sokoto Caliph asking them to stop attacking Tangale land.

MAI WANA (11TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Wana was the second son of Mai Sheru, the 10th Mai of Tangale. His mother’s name was Malankera. She was the first wife of Mai Sheru. Mai Sheru inherited her from his late brother Faiya, who gave birth to Papalu, the father of Mai Yamba.

His reign as the Mai Tangle witnessed development as a result of the advent of the colonialists, who met him on the throne. His accommodative and receptive approach to the colonialists was commended. It was during his reign that the collection of taxes was first introduced in Tangale land.

The colonialists, however, chose an administrative system that relied heavily on Yila Ashile (whom they addressed as Galadima) as the intermediary between them and the Tangale people, rather than on Mai Wana, until the elders of the land revolted.

Mai Wana’s influence and authority in the Maidom were never in question. He ruled Tangale from 1888–1912. He left a vibrant legacy and a positive impact on his subjects.

MAI YAMBA PAPALU (12TH MAI TANGLE)

Also known as Kwah, Mai Yamba Papalu was the 12th Mai Tangle and appears to have been one of the most popular among the Mais who ruled the Tangale people.

Born in 1886 into the Mai Wuni Royal Dynasty of the Tangale Royal Clan, Mai Yamba ascended the throne in 1912, succeeding his cousin, Mai Wana, through a selection process organized by the then District Officer.

During Mai Yamba’s reign, Tangale land recorded unprecedented development and progress. He was seen as the father of modernization in Tangale land. He was highly revered in Tangale-Waja Province and beyond. His enormous wealth and deep sense of piety earned him the name Mai Yamba.

History has it that his birth was heralded by a hefty downpour, which led to him being originally named Kwah, a name synonymous with the sound of a heavy downpour. When he died on 21st March 1951, there was also an unusual and mysterious heavy downpour.

As a hunter of immense prowess, he was reputed to have had encounters with unseen forces and to have emerged victorious and unscathed.

For his zero tolerance for indiscipline, he was nicknamed “Tara da Uku,” a name synonymous with his method of administering punishment to an offender — twelve strokes of the cane.

He was also a successful trader who shuttled between Tangale and Tera land, trading in traditional hoes, traditional dresses, fruits, and livestock. He was the first person to own a car in Tangale land, named Zip, through a generous gift from Mr. Harling (Pobe), the pioneer missionary in Tangale land.

Mai Yamba was honoured by King George VI of England, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, with a medal of the Order of the British Empire on 20th April 1943, in recognition of the large participatory and outstanding role played by Tangale sons in the Army during the Second World War. It was said that the Tangale contributed a large contingent to the Army, more than any other tribe in Nigeria.

Mai Yamba was the ruler who approved and ordered the movement of the Tangale people down from the hills in 1946. He was credited with the creation of Tudu Kwaya as a Tangale enclave and made it the eighth district village of Tangale.

MAI ILIYASU MAIYAMBA (13TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Iliyasu Maiyamba was one of Tangale’s early Christian evangelists. He served as an evangelist in Tangale villages.

He was born in 1911 and ascended the throne as the 13th Mai Tangle on 11th September 195.

He attended the literacy class known as “Balla,” operated by the Christian missionaries. His contact with the colonial masters at the early stage, when they entered Tangale land, placed him in a vantage position to acquire administrative skills. He worked with Mr. Buck, a surveyor who planned the layout of Tangale land.

From 1950 to 1951, although he was still young, his father, Mai Yamba, the 12th Mai Tangle, appointed him as “Magajin Garin Tangale” and placed him closer to the colonialists to serve as their tour guide in the land.

Before his ascension to the throne as Mai Tangle, he was known in the community as a very strong and gifted wrestler whose prowess in wrestling brought him fame as far as Bauchi.

As a gifted and magnetic leader, he is remembered for his pragmatic and humane style of leadership.

He lived an austere life of simple habits, modelled after the teachings of God. He left behind eight wives and thirty-three children, as well as many grandchildren.

Mai Iliyasu Maiyamba died on 9th May 1986 after his return from England, where he had gone for treatment.

Achievements

• His reign ensured further development in terms of amenities and infrastructure.
• His performance led to his elevation to third-class status.
• He pioneered the first draft of Tangale history.
• He executed the movement of the Tangale-Waja Native Authority Secretariat from Tula to Billiri.
• He was the first Mai Tangle to be appointed a member of the Northern House of Emirs and Chiefs (1958) and later the North-Eastern House of Emirs and Chiefs in 1976, before the creation of Bauchi State.
• He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Tangale-Waja Council based on the 1976 Local Government reforms.

MAI MUHAMMAD ILIYASU MAIYAMBA (14TH MAI TANGLE)

The late Muhammad Iliyasu Maiyamba was known for his scholarship, statesmanship, and remarkable ability in diplomacy. He was a well-read personality who held a degree in education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He was born in Billiri in 1938 into the family of Mai Iliyasu Maiyamba, the 13th Mai Tangle. He started school in 1945 at a very early age but was withdrawn because he could not make any progress as a result of his young age.

Tafida later re-entered school in 1948 at Billiri Primary School and learned quickly without difficulty.

He attended Teachers Training College, Toro, from 1956 to 1958, where he obtained a Grade III Certificate. Because of his high level of intelligence in school, Tafida was selected to attend a leadership course in Victoria Buea (now Cameroon) in 1958. On returning home, he was employed as a teacher and posted to Banganje Primary School in 1959.

He went back to school in 1962 at the Higher Elementary Training College, Bauchi, where he obtained a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate.

On completion, he was posted to Senior Primary School, Billiri, and subsequently rose to the position of Headmaster at the same school in 1974.

He gained admission into the Advanced Teachers College (ATC), Zaria, in 1974 and, at the end of his studies, proceeded to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Benue State.

He later took up an appointment with the Bauchi State Government as a teacher at GSS Misau in 1978 and GSS Gombe in 1979.

In 1981, Mai Tafida Maiyamba went back to school at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated in 1983 with a degree in History and Political Science.

He taught at Government Science Secondary School, Billiri, after his university education, before becoming a Vice Principal at GSS Kumo in 1985.

He ascended to the throne as the 14th Mai Tangle on 31st August 1986, following the death of his father and his selection by the Tangale kingmakers.

He reigned for 10 years and died on 6th March 1997 at Jos Teaching Hospital after a protracted illness.

During his reign, the Tangale Traditional Council was created and accorded full authority from the then-existing Tangale-Waja Traditional Council. He reconstructed the Mai Tangle’s Palace and built offices and Council Chambers.

He is also remembered for playing immense roles in boundary issues.

MAI ABDU BUBA MAISHEU II (15TH MAI TANGLE)

Mai Abdu Buba Maisheru II was born in Poshiya Quarters, Billiri, on 15th May 1948. He was a direct descendant of his great-grandfather, Maisheru I.

He had his elementary education at Billiri Primary School from 1962–1968, where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate.

From 1970–1971, Maisheru II attended the Success Commercial Institute, Ibadan, where he obtained his Typist Grade II Certificate. He then proceeded to Kaduna Polytechnic in 1974 and graduated in 1975 with a Certificate in Catering Studies. He returned to the same Kaduna Polytechnic in 1977 and obtained the Higher Certificate in Catering in 1978.

He attended several on-the-job courses and training programmes, including the Constructive Union Leadership Skill Course organized by DAE Management Consultants in 1990; the Nigerian Labour Laws Workshop conducted by WIU Consultants in 1991; and the Basic Supervisory Techniques Workshop organized by Progressive Management Ltd. in 1995.

Others were the Marketing and Sales Management Course conducted by Progressive Management Ltd. in 1966, and the Customer Service Course organized by Progressive Management and ECWA Theological Seminary, Billiri, in 2001.

He served as a Clerical Assistant to the defunct North-Eastern State Government from 1971–1974; a Catering Assistant in Training at Yankari Games Reserve from 1975–1976; and Acting Hotel Manager Grade II at the Wildlife and Hotels Board, Bauchi State.

He was employed by Ashaka Cement Company Plc. in 1979, where he served in various capacities, beginning as Estate Supervisor from 1979–1982; Dispatch Supervisor in 1982; Accountant in the Maiduguri Area Office from 1982–1985; Depot Manager in Kaduna, Bauchi, Yola, and Zaria; and was later promoted and moved to the company’s headquarters at Ashaka from 1993–1994. He finally served as Transport Planner at the same Ashaka head office from 1994–2001.

From there, he ascended to his forefather’s throne as the 15th Mai Tangle on 24th May 2001, following his election by the kingmakers in Billiri.

As a humble, obedient, and articulate administrator, Maisheru II served in various capacities in both the public and private sectors.

• He was elevated to Second-Class status and presented with a Staff of Office on 30th March 2002.
• He produced a book on the regulation of Tangale traditional marriage.
• He was honoured by NAFDAC for his fight against fake drugs.
• He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Canonical Laws by the Pan African Christian Theological University Inc., Abuja, on 8th May 2003.
• He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Institute of Journalism and Management, Enugu, in 2004.
• He was nominated for the 2004 list of Contemporary Who’s Who by the American Biographical Institute in June 2004.
• He received a commendation in 2005 from the Committee on the National Immunization Programme for consistent mobilization during immunization campaigns.
• He was nominated for the MAN OF THE YEAR 2005 by the American Biographical Board of International Research African Leaders of Integrity Merit Award, presented by JISO Communications Ltd., publisher of Africa International News Magazine, in 2005.
• He was presented with the African Builders Merit Gold Award (ABMGA) in 2005 by African Gold International Communication, publishers of Vision African Magazine.
• He was appointed a Pioneer Member of the Board of Governors of Gombe State University.
• He was presented with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005.

Mai Abdu Buba Maisheru II died on 10th January 2021 at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria, after a brief illness.

Information on this page was summarized by Iliya Kure and published on Dil Tangle website in December 2023.