Alhaji Yahaya Madawaki, MFR, OBE, DLL
Born: January 1907 Died: June 5, 1998 Titles: Madawaki of Ilorin, Atunluse of Erin-Ile Honours: MFR, OBE, DLL, King George VI Coronation Medal
Alhaji Yahaya Madawaki was a prominent Nigerian politician, statesman, and former Minister of Health. A distinguished community leader and elder statesman, he played key roles in the political and infrastructural development of Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
Early Life
Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, he was the eldest son of Abdulkadir Popoola Ayinla-Agbe, a wealthy trader, and Salimotu Asabi. He began his education in a Koranic school in the Ago Market area of Ilorin before attending Ilorin Provincial Primary School. Excelling academically, he advanced to Katsina Training College (later Barewa College) in June 1922.
Among his notable contemporaries were Ahmadu Bello, Aliyu Makama Bida, Suleiman Barau, and Sir Kashim Ibrahim. A brilliant student and athlete, he served as Head Boy and football captain, and delivered the welcome address to Governor Sir Hugh Clifford at the college's official commissioning in 1924.
He taught at Katsina College, mentoring future national figures such as Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and Justice Mohammed Bello. He later became Headmaster of Ilorin Middle School and was recognized for resolving disputes within the community, earning him the King George VI Coronation Medal in 1936.
Political Career
In 1936, he became Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Council and gained the nickname "Yahaya Kiigbaa" for his firm stance against corruption.
- 1948: Joined a delegation, including Tafawa Balewa, to the first African Conference in London. Met King George VI at Buckingham Palace.
1952: Elected to the Northern Regional House of Assembly and joined the central government as Minister for Health.
- Commissioned several hospitals.
- Established the medical school in Zaria.
- Built the orthopedic hospital in Kano.
- Abolished hospital charges in Northern general hospitals.
- 1956: Replaced by Alhaji Ahman as Minister of Health.
- 1973: Appointed State Commissioner of Works, signing the Asa Dam contract and initiating major infrastructure.
- 1981: Appointed to the Committee of Elders by President Shehu Shagari.
He engaged politically with figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief J.S. Olawoyin, Chief S.B. Awoniyi, and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
Honours and Appointments
- 1936: King George VI Coronation Medal
- 1955: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Traditional Titles: Madawaki of Ilorin, Atunluse of Erin-Ile
- 1981: Member of the Committee of Elders; conferred Member of the Federal Republic (MFR)
- 1982: Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of Ilorin
He chaired and served on boards including:
- Northern Nigeria Development Board
- Nigeria Railway Corporation
- Kwara State Water Corporation
- Bacita Sugar Company
He is credited with naming Kwara State.
Business Career
Alhaji Yahaya ventured into successful business enterprises:
- Yahaya Marines & Co – a shipping and logistics firm at Apapa Wharf.
- Madawaki Estates – a prominent real estate holding on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin.
References
- Dudley, Billy J. Parties and Politics in Northern Nigeria.
- Whitaker, C. Sylvester. The Politics of Tradition: Continuity and Change in Northern Nigeria, 1946-1966.
- Sklar, Robert L. Nigerian Political Parties.
- Robinson, David & Brenner, Louis. Muslim Identity and Social Change in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Jimoh, S. A.; Gambari, Ibrahim Sulu. Ilorin: Centre of Learning.
- Gray, Clive S. Inside Independent Nigeria.
- Olawoyin, J. S. My Political Reminiscences: 1948–1983.
- LAST, MURRAY. The Party-Political Caliphate.
- Abdulkadir, A. T. et al. Makers of Northern Nigeria.