28/12/2025
A LIFE OF FAITH, JUSTICE AND SERVICE: THE LEGACY OF LATE SHEIKH SHUAIBU ABUBAKAR KENCHI OF LOKOJA
By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
In the annals of Lokoja’s religious and traditional history, few names resonate with as much reverence as that of Late Sheikh Shuaibu Abubakar Kenchi. Scholar, jurist, missionary and community leader, Sheikh Kenchi lived a life devoted to knowledge, justice and the service of humanity. More than three decades after his passing, his influence remains deeply etched in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Lokoja and beyond.
Roots and Family Background:
Sheikh Shuaibu Abubakar Kenchi was born in Lokoja in 1903 to parents whose backgrounds reflected the rich diversity of the Middle Belt. His father, Alhaji Abubakar Kenchi, hailed from Muye in present-day Niger State and was of the Kakanda ethnic group. A seasoned trader, he interacted extensively with Hausa traders and fishermen from Kebbi State and other parts of Northern Nigeria. His ability to host them and interpret their languages into Hausa earned him the sobriquet “Kenchi”—a term associated with Hausa people—by which the family later became widely known.
His mother, Hajiya Fatimatu Tete, was a Nupe woman from Bida, born in the Masaga area. From this blend of cultures emerged a child who would grow into a unifying figure across ethnic and regional lines.
Early Education and Scholarly Formation:
From an early age, Sheikh Kenchi was immersed in Qur’anic learning in Lokoja under renowned scholars, including Sheikh Mallam Muhammad Alfa Manko and Mallam Muhammad Alfa Isa Bata of the Kwatankoto area of Lokoja, where the latter now lies buried.
By the age of 25, he had completed rigorous studies in major Islamic disciplines—Fiqh, Hadith, Nahwu, Balagha, Tafsir, and other classical sciences.
His teachers included some of the most respected scholars of the era, among them Mallam Abdullahi Bakano, Mallam Maimanzari, Mallam Mahmudu Yola, Mallam Abubakar Yola, Mallam Hassan, Mallam Rasheed, Mallam Mai Ammi, Mallam Rufai, Mallam Abdulkareem, Mallam Mahmudu Dabo, Mallam Kabiru and Mallam Abdullahi Danlele.
In his quest for spiritual refinement, he was also mentored in Tasawwuf, particularly within the Tijaniyya order and Faydat Ibrahimiyyah, by eminent Sufi masters such as Sheikh Abdullahi Zaria, Sheikh Abubakar Atiku, Sheikh Usman Yan-Mota, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullahi Ojara and Sheikh Abubakar Mijinyawa.
Western and Arabic Education:
Beyond traditional Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Kenchi pursued formal education across several institutions.
He attended:
Sheikh Muhammad Alfa Isa Bata Arabic School (1907–1911)
Special Scholars Islamic School (1911–1928)
Crowther Memorial School (CMS), Lokoja (1929–1935)
School for Arabic Studies (SAS), Kano (1950–1953)
Institute of Administration,
Zaria (now ABU Zaria) (1960–1962) This rare combination of Islamic and Western education prepared him for a life of public service.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service:
Sheikh Kenchi’s career spanned education, administration and the judiciary. He served as Market Overseer with the Lokoja Native Authority between 1935 and 1940, and later as Tax Scribe and Collector from 1940 to 1954.
His expertise in Islamic law earned him an appointment as Instructor in Muslim Law at the Nigeria Police College, Kaduna (1954–1960).
He subsequently rose through the judicial ranks, serving as Alkali in Waje (Magajin Gari), Kaduna, President of the Mixed Court, Acting Judge and later Full Judge of the Upper Area Court, from which he retired in 1971. Not done with service, he was appointed Khadi of the Upper Area Court in Kwara State from 1972 until his final retirement from government service in 1975.
Champion of Islamic Propagation:
Beyond official duties, Sheikh Kenchi was a tireless missionary. Through preaching, teaching and exemplary conduct, he contributed immensely to the spread of Islam and the Tijaniyya path across large swathes of Nigeria. He was instrumental in the formation of the Islamic Missionary Association of Nigeria (IMAN) in Ebira, Okun, Oworo and Kakanda lands.
His missionary journeys took him far beyond Kogi State—to Auchi, Jattu, Agenebode, Illushi, Warri, Benin City, Onitsha, Afikpo and Port Harcourt—leaving behind communities strengthened in faith and unity.
Traditional Leadership and Enduring Legacy:
In recognition of his integrity, wisdom and service, Sheikh Shuaibu Abubakar Kenchi was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Magajin Gari of Lokoja by the late Maigari, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi II.
He later played a pivotal role in the emergence of HRH Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III as Maigari, guiding the succession process with calm authority and respect for tradition.
Following his death over 30 years ago, the family legacy continued. His elder son, Khalifa Ibrahim Abubakar Shuaibu Abubakar (Etsu), was turbaned as Magajin Gari of Lokoja by the current Maigari. Today, he serves as a respected member of the Lokoja Emirate Council and one of its kingmakers.
A Pillar That Still Stands:
Late Sheikh Shuaibu Abubakar Kenchi remains remembered as a pillar of faith, justice and tradition—a man whose life bridged scholarship and service, spirituality and governance.
His legacy continues to inspire generations in Lokoja and beyond, affirming that true leadership is rooted in knowledge, humility and devotion to the common good.
