Twenty-two days after the transition of the famous late Emir of Borgu Kingdom, HRH Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro 111, his son, HRH Barrister Mohammad S. Haliru Dantoro, two weeks ago, entered the royal palace as the new Emir of Borgu, after emerging the choice for the royal stool. The ceremony of formal entry into the palace is known in Borgu as ‘the Kibokpen rites.’ And having chosen to select the royal staff of Kitoro, the new Emir decidedly, chose to be addressed as ‘Kitoro 1V.’ The city of Borgu in Niger State literally stood still as royal fathers and dignitaries arrived early that Saturday morning to witness the traditional ceremony beside the palace grounds. It was an opportunity for the people of Borgu to showcase their rich culture in the display of colourful royal robes, official palace guards ceremonial dresses, traditional drumming, dances and ceremonial gun shots in the air. This beauty they displayed to the admiration of their guests. Visibly pleased with the warm, joyous reception given him by the cheering crowd, the new Emir, HRH Haliru Dantoro assumed duty, as he began to receive his subjects even till midnight. He spoke to Paul Ukpabio about the joy of royalty, the lifestyle he lived before the crown and the lifestyle he will live now as an Emir.
Your Royal Highness, congratulations for the grand entry into the palace ceremony, how do you feel today?
I feel grateful, fulfilled with a sheer feeling of ecstasy. The enormous problems of my people and the big vacuum created by my late father are there. However, I hold a strong conviction that all our problems are surmountable by the will and grace of Allah. Truly, I feel overwhelmed.
Let’s go a little down memory lane. What was life like for you, growing up as a prince? what memories of your early life do you recall?
Well, it is refreshingly interesting; unlike other princes, we grew up under strict tutelage from our father. We were never pampered as obtained in other parts of the world. We were taught to have respect for human dignity, which today serves as a source of inspiration in our lives. I recalled our trip to India with our late father, wherein we rode on elephants, the little disparities in our norms and values with Indians.
So, who influenced you most, your mom or your dad?
It is a difficult question to answer. However, both of them played prominent roles in shaping my life in different dimensions. The role of a mother continues to remain intrinsic on the life of a person, most especially coming from an extended family.
What do you recall about your early life?
My early life was so eventful because we grew up in a society that is cosmopolitan. My place has virtually all the constituent tribes of Nigeria because of the Federal Government’s presence. Virtually all my friends are residents. This has always served as a source of inspiration to me.
Between destiny and hard work, how has your background helped to make you who you are today?
The truth is that, hard work coupled with destiny, made me what I am today.
Tell us a few things you remember about your childhood and a few about your parents.
I was born and then lived with my uncle in the interior part of Borgu in Niger State in order to be acquainted with the norms and values of our people. I never knew my dad, neither did I know that I am from the ruling house until I was 10 years old.
Being a young royal, are you willing to sacrifice your freedom to a life of living permanently in the palace?
No prince can be said to be accomplished except you become an Emir. Leadership entails making sacrifices amongst which is what you have just mentioned. However, I want to believe that you misconstrued living in the palace as bondage. No, it is not. That is because, as an Emir, one still has to attend to issues of developmental importance even while you are in the palace. Therefore, it does not make any difference.
How about your educational background?
Well, I am a lawyer by profession. I attended NEPA Senior Staff School for my primary school, and then proceeded to Government Secondary School, Ilorin. And then attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, after which I went to the Nigerian Law School.
What influenced your choice of being a legal practitioner?
I see justice as one of the cardinal principles of life. In view of that, I went into a profession that can help give justice to my people. I really know my profession will help in piloting the affairs of my people.
As a prince finally on the royal stool, please tell us what are some of the things that you will miss?
As a lawyer, I owe a duty to represent my clients in the court; this is however no longer obtainable. Therefore I will miss the courtroom seriously.
Why do you think that the people made you their choice?
I am indeed a grassroot person, having participated in partisan politics and engaged in communal development. These activities, among many other factors, endeared me to the people. It is also a criterion that a kingdom like Borgu needs a pragmatic personality, full of experience and exposure. Destiny also cannot be changed for I was destined to be an Emir. That was why I was selected to succeed my late father.
What do you think of royalty?
As custodians of our norms and values, royalty involves a social covenant with your people. This is indeed a very serious challenge. It involves making serious sacrifices for the advancement of our people.
If you were not what you are now, what else would you have loved to be?
I am a lawyer and businessman; therefore I shall continue to engage in my professional practice while I also run my personal business all geared towards the emancipation of my people.
The ceremony of the entry into the palace afforded us an opportunity to witness the rich culture of the people of Borgu. How do you see the culture and tradition of your people?
Borgu Kingdom is greatly endowed with a rich culture and tradition, which can serve as tourism potentials. It is no longer news that Borgu is a haven of peace and the pride of nature. This cannot be totally separated from our rich cultural heritage, which moulded our people to be peaceful. This serves as a pivot for development.
Do the women of Borgu Kingdom have a role to play?
Borgu Kingdom is a civilised society, which promotes gender equality. This can be seen even from the kingmakers, who select an Emir. The head of the princesses is a member who represents the interest of the womenfolk in the selection process.
We hear that as a young man, you are a trendy dresser. Who do you take after in this regard? And tell us more about your style.
(Laughs) I may be said to be trendy, but I must tell you that I am not flamboyantly extravagant in my dressings and deportment.
What kinds of clothes do you like wearing?
I do like wearing casual, traditional clothes.
Now that you are an Emir, what will determine the clothes you wear in a day?
(Smiles) That definitely will be premised on my assignments.
What male fashion accessories like ties, cuff links, perfumes and so on appeal to you? And which one do you not do without?
I have a soft spot for designer shoes and I can do without a wristwatch.
How best do you love spending your leisure?
I enjoy spending my leisure reading and making research findings.
Tell us about your first car. What determines your choice of cars?
My first car can be said to have been a jalopy, which I bought while in school. But speed and comfort determines my choice of cars.
Tell us about some of your memorable moments that you have had in life. Times that you will never forget in life?
My memorable moments were when I was struggling to become a lawyer in Ahmadu Bello University and when I was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar. Those eventful periods in my life are unforgettable.
What do you value most?
I value integrity and hard work.
Now that you are an Emir, are you fulfilled?
Definitely, I cannot say that I am fulfilled now until I am able to bring unprecedented development to Borgu Kingdom in virtually all facets of human endeavour.
What sports did you grow up with? Have you developed newer ones in recent times like golf or polo?
In time past, I played football but would like to play golf now as a form of exercise.
As a young Emir, definitely, the women will flock around you, how will you handle this?
I am successfully married to two wives with children and do not have soft spot for women in that regard.
What inspires you?
Challenges inspire me.
How do you spend your holidays?
I do that by travelling and spending time with my family.
What kind of Borgu do you want to see in the next couple of years?
A Borgu Kingdom that is virtually developed in all facets of human endeavours, most especially building on the solid foundation of our beloved late father.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about upholding and building upon the legacies and great ideals of our father.
And lastly, what kind of country do you hope Nigeria should be?
I’m hoping that we have a Nigeria where the ordinary people can afford the basic necessities of life, which I am convinced shall be possible Insha Allah because of the focused leadership of President Mohammadu Buhari. This is also because Nigeria is heavily endowed with all the resources that make a country great.
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