By MOHAMMED HABIB

As George Bernard Shaw once observed, “Life levels all men and death reveals the eminent.” We’re marking a decade since the passing of our late father, Honourable Khadi Alkali Habib Tijjani – a man whose life touched countless hearts and whose legacy continues to inspire all who knew him. He was a devoted father, loving husband, cherished grandfather, mentor, and distinguished public servant his commitment to justice, integrity, and humanity defined his life.

As I have consistently reflected in my annual tributes since his demise on 1st February 2016, Baa—as we fondly called him—was a man of magnetic warmth, uncommon wisdom, and pragmatic humour. He often regaled us with lively stories of his travels to Ngaundere, Douala, Garoua, Maroua, Tibati in the Republic of Cameroon, as well as across Mambila, Gembu, Mubi, Ngurore, Gashaka, Ganye, Tongou, and Jada, where he married his first wife, Hajja Hadiza, fondly known as Mama Uwani (may Allah have mercy on her gentle soul).

He also shared vivid memories of growing up under the guidance of his late uncle, Alhaji Mamman Dafami, in Dikwa, Gulumba, and Bama, as well as the invaluable lessons he learned in entrepreneurship under the tutelage of his brother-in-law, Late Alhaji Mallam Umara Kokari, at Litinin Yerwaye (now Monday Market) in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Even in death, his kindness, humility, and love for people continue to resonate deeply.

In keeping with his tradition of taking us on road trips during our childhood, I recently embarked on a similar journey with my children to several towns and communities where he lived and served during his years in public service, seeking to rekindle old bonds. Among the places we visited were Zaria, Kano, Machina, Nguru, Yusufari, Karasuwa, Geidam, Potiskum, Hadejia, Katsina, and beyond.

Although many of his colleagues and friends have sadly passed on, we were warmly received by their families. We remain grateful to the family of His Royal Highness the Late Mai Bukar Machinama of Machina Emirate. His son, the current Emir, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, OON, L’ONN, was abroad at the time attending the graduation ceremony of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, who was awarded a PhD in Law by SOAS, University of London.

In Nguru, we visited the families of the Late District Head of Nguru, His Highness Alhaji Zannah Medala Ali, Late Baba Abdu Alkali, Late Ba Zannah Maidodo (Sarkin Hausawan Nguru), and the family of Sheikh Uthmanu Fillatiya. The emotional moment when the eldest daughter of Ba Zannah Maidodo recognized us and broke down in tears remains unforgettable.

Equally moving was our visit to the family of Late Mallam Yusuf Kasuwan Dare. Upon introducing myself to the family patriarch, Alhaji Mamman Mallam Yusuf, he shed tears of joy while reminiscing about the deep bond between our late parents. Overcome with emotion, I found myself weeping alongside him in the middle of the road, to the astonishment of passers-by and my children.

Before departing Nguru, we also visited the families of Alhaji Mallam Baba Tela of Kadawa Ward, Alhaji Modu Musa (my primary schoolmate at Nguru Central Primary School), as well as the families of Late Alhaji Bature, Alhaji Garba Nayaya, and Late Mallam Haladu Jajimaji. On my next visit, In shaa Allah, I hope to visit more families, especially that of Late Alhaji Labaran Jika, whose role in encouraging our father to enroll us in the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, during the 1984/1985 session remains etched in our hearts, despite circumstances that prevented it from materialising.

Our journey took us through Wachakal, Dumsai Wachakal, Chumbusko, Chulumbuta, Garin Gawo, Alhajiri, Jajimaji, and Bukarti, before reaching Gashua, where we visited one of our father’s court messengers, Ba Musa Dawa, who later accompanied us to Yusufari. I recalled to my children how, but for time constraints, we would have visited the Mai Bade, His Royal Highness Mai Abubakar Umar Suleiman.

Our father was particularly fond of his friendship with the late Mai Bade, His Royal Highness Mai Saleh ibn Suleiman II, OFR, who passed away in November 2005, shortly before our father’s own demise. According to him, this friendship began through Late Goni Aji Gashua during the Mai Bade’s appointment in 1981. At the time, our father was the Judge of the Upper Area Court, Nguru, and later supervised the Upper Area Court in Gashua from 1983.

It was during one of those return journeys from Gashua that news of Mallam Aminu Kano’s death on 17th April 1983 was announced. Gashua, being a stronghold of the PRP-SAWABA movement, mourned deeply.

The friendship between our late father and the Mai Bade blossomed to the extent that the Mai Bade named one of his grandchildren after our mother, Hajja Fati, in appreciation of our father’s loyalty. On my next visit to Yobe State, In shaa Allah, I intend to revive this bond.

We arrived in Potiskum late at night and proceeded directly to the residence of Baba Alkali Abubakar (Habu) Galadima, one of our father’s junior colleagues and close confidants in the Judiciary. His wise intervention that night, insisting we rest instead of continuing our journey, was a touching reminder of our father’s values.

He also shared three enduring pieces of advice our father gave him as a young judge: to dress neatly and smartly, avoid casual public gatherings, and never drive himself while in office. He confirmed that these principles guided his entire career.

Wherever we went, people wept, recounting stories of our father’s generosity, humility, and fairness. It was a profoundly moving journey—one that reinforced our pride in the legacy he left behind.

Late Alkali Habib Tijjani devoted 35 years to public service, rising to the position of Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Borno State (1991–1998). From Gamboru Ngala to Gwoza, he upheld justice with compassion, professionalism, and courage.

His life exemplified discipline, integrity, and service. He taught us respect for humanity, care for the less privileged, loyalty to knowledge and teachers, patience, humility, and independence of thought. His values continue to guide us.

His legacy Is not merely in titles held, but in lives touched, lessons imparted, and love shared.

May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and may his memory continue to inspire peace, unity, and service for generations to come. Ameen.

•Habib (Baba Kaduna Alkali)

goodhabib@yahoo.co.uk