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Cultural Heritage: National Monuments And Sites …The Etsu Nupe’s Palace
Nigeria has two UNESCO world heritage sites, namely; Sukur Cultural Landscape in Madagali in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. There are 65 national monuments and sites managed by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Palaces, the residence of traditional rulers are among the fewest documented, yet, they constitute the most visible artefacts that are socially, culturally and politically significant and worthy of historic documentation. A good example is the Etsu Nupe’s palace.
The Etsu Nupe is the traditional title for the most superior Emir of Nupe land. The Etsu Nupe is a first class chief. Nupes are found predominantly in Niger State, which lies in the North Central geo- political zone, signifying the extent of the Emir’s influence. They are also found in Kogi State.
The Etsu Nupe’s palace is located in Bida West in Niger State, along Wuya-Bida Road next to Bida Local Government Secretariat. The Etsu Nupe’s Palace is referred to in local dialect of Hausa as Hakorin Giwa, and Yikan Dagba in the original Nupe language, interpreted in English as elephant’s tusk. It serves administrative, cultural and social purposes. The Etsu Nupe’s palace (Ekan Dagba was constructed in about 1935 by Sarkin Gini Muhammad Egba. Perhaps, Etsu Nupe’s palace, among other traditional palaces holds a rich cultural heritage in the North Central region of Nigeria.
These are the past events that brought about the present and future of the Nupe Emirate which are called ‘Etsu Nupe’.
The ruling family of the Nupes are all sons of Mallam Dendo , out of seven sons, the ruling families are three in number , namely; Usman Zaki, Mama Saba and Umaru Majigi also known as Ena-Gpyazhi (Dauda 2013). The genealogy began in 1856. Since then, 13 Emirs have reigned successfully, except Etsu Nupe Usaman Sarki who was sent on exile. The reign of each Etsu commences by appointment and is terminated by death. The longest serving Etsu was Etsu Nupe Umaru Sanda Ndayako who reigned for 28 years. The shortest was Etsu Nupe Usman Zaki who reigned for three years. The current Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has been on the throne for 15 years now.
The Hakorin Giwa, a symbol of the Nupe Emirate’s administrative dynasty is significant for its socio-cultural and political activities where major decisions are taken by the Emir and his councils. It serves as Nko, a venue for the royals and title holders converging every Friday to discuss central issues to the Emirate.
The palace occupies about 500 metres. The main entrance has a height of 5ft with the thickness of the wall of 2ft 33″ and the Arch entrance at 4ft 57’. The main entrance has a wooden door panel called “Kpako Cigban”, This is the door to the walk way for the Etsu known as “Dyadya”, and it leads to Etsu Katamba called the sitting room/reception for attending to visitors and his subjects.
Hakorin Giwa like other traditional buildings in the North are glossed by Makuba and Dan Gangaje to smoothen the wall to show the architectural and artistic mastery. The Makuba is also used as an insect repellent. This cultural heritage is a single round palace comprising four rooms and one cell “Katagi” for offenders, two entrances, with one door from the front view. The back view has three Archs with an exit door.
It serves as conference/meeting “Nko”, venue for the royals/title holders on Fridays to discuss the way forward for the Emirate. Among the socio-cultural activities of Hakorin Giwa is the royal marriage of princesses. Both maternal and paternal princess marriage rites are conducted in the Katamba. The union known as Yawo- Gitsu takes place at Shaba Palace. The couple are brought to the Hakorin Giwa at evenings as a mark of royalty heralded by sounds of flutes called Khakati. Other weddings of course take place in the palace but sometimes without royal blessings. Funeral rites known as “Ekunso” and Suna, naming ceremonies all take place in the Hakorin Giwa in the Nupe Emirate.
Customarily, women enter the palace only at dawn before morning prayers to tend to immediate issues. Though, the Emirate holds and recognises the contributions of women to the society in high esteem. The Sagi Nupe and Niwoye are high ranking women who hold titles in the emirate and are restricted to the royal family alone. Soniyan Nupe is one in charge of the market women, the Etsu’s maids and midwife to his wives. The women in their respective designations foster unity and coordinate the affairs of women in the land. These are the women allowed in the Hakorin Giwa. Remarkably, the Nupe nation is known for its historical antecedents of the Nupe reign and has held the Hakorin Giwa, as a significant cultural heritage of the people.
Every nation that has a future has a history and that can be said of the Nupe dynasty. The Nupes hold in high esteem the “Hakorin Giwa” , which is of great importance for administrative, cultural and social purposes for the ruling class.
Abosede resides in Abuja.
Olaniyan Oluwabukola Abosede
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene