INTERVIEW: How Bajju Diaspora can transform development back home, Agwam Bajju II

Since assuming the role of the second paramount ruler of the Bajju Chiefdom in 2022, His Highness Luka Kogi Yabwat, also known as Agwam Bajju II, has centered his reign on fortifying the traditional institution and completing a permanent palace.

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When I came in, my priority was securing permanent residence for the king. When I came in, I had a lot of problems with accommodation. The late king was not able to secure a permanent palace because he was living in his own house, so he didn’t put much effort into it. One good thing he did was secure the land and start something. The foundation was laid. So, building on that foundation, I continued with the committee that the late king appointed for the palace project.

During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he engaged with the Bajju community and witnessed the launch of the Bajju UK and Europe Association, the monarch shared his priorities in an exclusive interview. He emphasized the importance of improving security and deepening the relationship between the chiefdom and its expanding diaspora.

Agwam Bajju II detailed the challenges faced in constructing a permanent palace, noting that his predecessor had secured the land but not a permanent residence. He has continued the project, working with a committee and seeking contributions from both male and female members of the community. "As I am talking to you now, the building is at one stage. We are trusting God that in the next one or two years, we will have a permanent residence, which is my heart’s desire," he stated.

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We have never received any support from the state government. We have never received any support from the state government. Even though we wrote to them about the project, we have not received any support to date. And I think it is not only the Bajju project. It is like that with most chiefdoms in the southern part of the state.

Significantly, the Agwam Bajju II revealed that the Kaduna State Government has provided no support for the palace project, despite official requests. He suggested this lack of assistance is common among chiefdoms in the southern part of the state. Reflecting on his predecessor's legacy, he acknowledged the hard work done to preserve Bajju identity and establish the chiefdom's structure, vowing to preserve these aspects.

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The late chief, whom I owe a lot of respect, actually worked hard to preserve the Bajju identity. He did a lot of things. He set the structure of the chiefdom. So, by setting the structure of the chiefdom, I have not done anything d