By Matthew Tukura
When prominent Nigerians, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered in Lafia on Monday to celebrate the 70th birthday and statutory retirement of the 17th Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage, CFR, (Rtd), they were not simply marking the passage of time. They were honouring a remarkable journey of service, one that has left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s judiciary, traditional institutions, and national development.
Justice Bage ascended the throne of Lafia Emirate on 26 March 2019, following the death of the 16th Emir, HRH Dr. Isa Mustapha Agwai I. From the outset, he set the tone for his reign with a simple but profound message: “We are one. We must unite to develop the emirate, and I pledge to be just in my dealings with all.” Seven years later, that pledge remains the defining hallmark of his leadership.
Born in Lafia on 22 June 1956, Justice Bage’s journey showcases diligence, discipline, and excellence. He attended Dunama Primary School and Government Secondary School in Lafia before earning a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981, he started his career as a magistrate and gradually advanced through the ranks to become a Justice of the Court of Appeal and eventually a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Throughout his judicial career, he earned a reputation for integrity, impartiality, and intellectual depth. He chaired election petition tribunals in several states, headed the FCT Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, and served on numerous national assignments. His wealth of experience naturally prepared him for the enormous responsibility of leading one of Northern Nigeria’s foremost traditional institutions.
As Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Justice Bage has instilled judicial discipline within traditional leadership. His reign has been characterised by fairness, inclusiveness, and a steadfast pursuit of peace. Under his leadership, Lafia has experienced notable stability, highlighting the enduring belief that lasting peace can only be achieved where justice is upheld.
His commitment to peaceful coexistence was clear during his 2021 tour of the chiefdoms within the emirate, where he encouraged residents to see each other as brothers and sisters regardless of ethnic or religious differences. That message of unity has stayed central to his leadership philosophy.
Beyond fostering harmony, the Emir has promoted development. He backed the Nasarawa State Government’s efforts to tackle the Almajiri issue by advocating for quality education and encouraging children to leave the streets for school. His influence also helped transform Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital into the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, while he has persistently supported initiatives to improve access to clean water, vocational training, and environmental sustainability.
Justice Bage has also revitalised the traditional institution. He revived the centuries-old Tashe and Rangadi festivals, strengthening the cultural identity of the people while promoting interaction between the palace and communities. He restructured the Emirate Council to ensure broader representation and established a modern palace museum to preserve the rich history and cultural heritage of the emirate for future generations.
His leadership extends beyond Nasarawa State. In 2020, he chaired a national committee advocating for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in governance, especially in security issues. Two years later, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chairman of the National Honours Committee, a role that reflected the confidence placed in his integrity and sound judgment.
His remarkable contributions have earned him numerous honours and recognitions. The Federal Government named the Federal Secretariat Complex in Lafia after him, while several universities, including Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, have awarded him honorary doctorate degrees. He currently serves as Chancellor of Rivers State University, Northwest University, Kano, and Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.
Perhaps the strongest testament to Justice Bage’s character came from the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, during the Emir’s fifth-anniversary celebration in 2024. The Sultan remarked that the true measure of a person’s character is reflected in the quality of those who stand by him—a fitting tribute to a monarch whose humility, honesty, and dedication to justice have earned widespread respect across Nigeria.
Justice Bage’s life has been guided by one enduring principle: “When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative.” That philosophy shaped his distinguished judicial career and continues to define his reign as Emir of Lafia.
At 70, Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage remains a symbol of justice, wisdom, and selfless service. His legacy shows that leadership is judged not by the titles one holds, but by the lives one influences, the peace one fosters, and the institutions one strengthens. As he marks this milestone, Nigerians have every reason to honour a man whose contributions to the judiciary, traditional leadership, and national development will continue to inspire future generations.
– Tukura, a seasoned journalist, writes from Lafia.