The ancient city of Kano erupted in a vibrant display of tradition and honor last week, as Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and one of the nation’s most revered legal minds, was turbaned with the prestigious title of Garkuwan Kano by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The ceremony, held at the historic Gidan Rumfa palace, drew a constellation of dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political, legal, and civil society spheres, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo. The event was not merely a ceremonial nod to Mahmoud’s achievements; it was a powerful reaffirmation of his role as a guardian of the emirate’s cosmopolitan heritage.
The title Garkuwa, meaning “Shield of Kano,” is one of the most esteemed honors in the Kano Emirate, historically reserved for those who serve as protectors of the community, moral and symbolic shields for society. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated profound contributions to community development, education, and youth empowerment. Mahmoud, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano State, has long been celebrated for his activism, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and social welfare. From his student days, he earned a reputation as a progressive voice, championing education, women’s emancipation, youth empowerment, and national unity.
In his conferment address, Emir Sanusi II highlighted Mahmoud’s formidable role in defending Kano Emirate’s 1,000-year history when it was threatened by politically motivated demolition. “We gave you the title of Garkuwa, having looked at your enormous contribution to the legal sector and what you represent in the area of ensuring social justice,” the Emir said. “You served the state as former Commissioner of Justice, became one of the faces of Kano and the north when you led the NBA.”
For those who have walked alongside Mahmoud, the honor is a testament to a life defined by three distinct stages of public service. The first stage was rooted in the radicalism of his youth at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he immersed himself in Marxist study circles, dedicating his time to understanding exploitation and oppression. “We were not shy in our ambition,” recalls Jibrin Ibrahim, a professor of Political Science and longtime friend. “We decided to organize a revolution that would transform the system and emancipate the people. Since then, we learned that the revolution would not occur in our lifetime, but we retained the lesson that in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we will struggle for liberation.”
The second stage was Mahmoud’s vision of law as a defender of the public good. Unlike many of his peers, he had zero interest in using law to amass wealth through private practice. Instead, he joined the Kano State public service, becoming the first lawyer to ascend every grade in the Ministry of Justice—from Pupil Counsel to Solicitor-General and Attorney-General. He saw his mission as using law to secure the interests of the people of Kano State, and he excelled.
The third stage is his ongoing community engagement in defense of the public good. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mahmoud co-founded the Kano Forum on COVID-19, spearheading community awareness programs, engaging with the state government on policy options, and working with philanthropists to provide relief. His focus on environmental issues, a passion inherited from his father, will now anchor the AB Mahmoud Environment and Sustainability Trust.
As Mahmoud assumes the revered title of Garkuwan Kano, his friends and colleagues urge him to remain unrelenting in the defense of the values he has championed throughout his life. “May his reign bring further prosperity, peace, and harmony to Kano and to the nation at large,” Ibrahim writes. “The summary of the argument here is that maybe the best way to start a life of service is to commence with a commitment to Marxism.”
