The ancient city of Lafia came alive over the weekend as Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu was formally turbaned Magajin Dangi of Lafia, a revered title deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the Lafia Emirate.

The ceremony, held at the historic Lafia Emirate Council,  became a national spectacle. The presence of top-tier dignitaries, including emissaries from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, state governors, ministers, and royal fathers from across Nigeria, underscored the symbolic weight of the occasion.

At the center of the event stood the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Hon. Dr. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, JSC (Rtd), CFR, who performed the turbaning. In an emotionally resonant address, the Emir recounted the interwoven legacies of his late father, Chiroma Bage, and Alhaji Danyaya, father of Senator Wadada.

“This honor is a continuation of their legacy. Senator Wadada stands today as a symbol of loyalty, service, and heritage,” the Emir declared.

This sentiment of legacy and service reverberated throughout the event.

Delivering the goodwill message of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, CFR, described the turbaning as a recognition of Senator Wadada’s moral fortitude and grassroots appeal.

The President’s message, conveyed by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, praised the Senator as a “patriot and bridge-builder,” affirming the national significance of the appointment.

Also present, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State lauded the Senator’s role in promoting peace, inclusiveness, and sustainable development in the region. He urged other leaders to draw inspiration from Wadada’s leadership style—rooted in empathy and accessibility.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Wadada, visibly moved, dedicated the honor to the memory of his father and the Emir’s father.

“This turban is a call to responsibility. I accept it with humility and pledge to continue serving with honor, compassion, and loyalty,” he said.

The Magajin Dangi title, traditionally reserved for individuals of noble heritage and public merit, entrusts the bearer with key advisory, leadership, and cultural responsibilities within the Lafia Emirate. For Senator Wadada—who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District—this elevation is not only a cultural endorsement but also a testament to his growing influence in both traditional and political spheres.

Dignitaries in attendance included Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ministers of Women Affairs and Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, and the Auditor General of the Federation, alongside a host of current and former lawmakers and traditional rulers.

The event was as much a celebration of heritage as it was of leadership, with vibrant cultural displays, traditional drumming, and dances echoing the timeless relevance of Nigeria’s royal institutions.

As the sun set over Lafia, one message stood clear: in Senator Ahmed Wadada, the people of Nasarawa—and indeed Nigeria—see a leader who walks the line between heritage and progress, duty and humility.